1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I have grave concerns raised about President Trump's executive order granting federal agencies expanded powers over individuals experiencing homelessness or mental illness. There are valid worries that this policy could lead to violations of medical privacy rights and the potential mistreatment or unlawful detention of vulnerable populations. I urge you to take action to prevent this order from going into effect and instead promote compassionate, community-based solutions that connect people with the healthcare and support services they need without criminalization or loss of civil liberties. The core issue is one of human rights and human dignity. Forcibly institutionalizing people against their will, stripping away medical confidentiality protections, and involving immigration enforcement raises alarming red flags. There are grave risks of abuse and deprivation of liberty with extremely limited due process. This draconian approach seems more about expanding police powers than genuinely helping those in crisis. Rather than heavy-handed federal overreach, we should invest in affordable housing, mental health resources, substance abuse treatment programs, job training, and other services proven to lift people out of homelessness and put them on a path to stability. Nonprofits and local governments are best positioned to tailor interventions to their communities' specific needs. They require funding and flexibility, not top-down federal mandates. I urge you to speak out forcefully against this executive order and champion legislation that protects civil liberties while providing meaningful solutions. We must reject policies that criminalize vulnerability and strip away human rights. The humane response is to meet this challenge with compassion, respect for autonomy, and evidence-based social services - not draconian detention and deprivation of privacy. Thank you for your consideration of these grave concerns.