1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia raises alarming concerns about the erosion of due process rights and the risk it poses for all individuals within the United States, regardless of immigration status. By asserting its foreign affairs authority to deny Abrego Garcia's return despite a court order, the administration is setting a dangerous precedent that could strip away fundamental constitutional protections for American citizens as well. The right to due process is a cornerstone of our legal system, enshrined in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. It ensures that individuals receive notice of any alleged offense and an opportunity to present their case before being deprived of liberty. This principle dates back to the Magna Carta and was a cornerstone of the American Revolution, rejecting the notion of unlimited monarchical power. If the administration can circumvent due process by simply deporting individuals from the country, it threatens to dismantle one of the most basic rights that distinguishes our democracy from an absolute monarchy. This erosion of civil liberties should concern every American who values the rule of law and the protections guaranteed by the Constitution. We urge you to take decisive action to uphold the Supreme Court's order and ensure Abrego Garcia's prompt return to the United States. His case represents a pivotal moment in safeguarding the due process rights that are fundamental to our nation's principles of justice and freedom. Failure to act risks setting a precedent that could endanger the civil liberties of all Americans, regardless of their immigration status.