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

I'm writing to you today as a deeply concerned American and North Carolinian who is alarmed by the June 7 Presidential Memorandum authorizing the Secretary of Defense to federalize National Guard troops in California -- without state consent -- and potentially deploy active-duty U.S. Marines to support Department of Homeland Security operations, including immigration enforcement. This directive constitutes a direct violation of constitutional norms, longstanding federal law, and the principles of state sovereignty. I urge you to take all legal and constitutional actions available to resist this escalation. First, this action violates the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits federal military forces from engaging in civilian law enforcement unless under extraordinary and lawful circumstances. There is no evidence of insurrection or emergency that justifies bypassing this protection. Second, the attempt to seize operational control of California's National Guard without consent undermines Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, which protects the balance between state and federal authority over militias. California authorities have made clear there is no unmet law enforcement need. Third, this move dangerously escalates tensions by framing public protest and political dissent as "rebellion." Such language threatens to criminalize constitutionally protected speech and peaceful assembly, and it signals a potential militarized crackdown on dissent. Fourth, allowing the use of military force to support immigration enforcement -- especially without any clear legislative authorization or judicial oversight -- sets a precedent that could erode civil liberties far beyond this moment. Governor Stein, I urge you to: Immediately file or join federal litigation challenging this memorandum under the 10th Amendment and Posse Comitatus Act. Publicly refuse to allow North Carolina National Guard units to be federalized under false or unlawful pretenses. Work with the General Assembly and legal organizations to create a coordinated civil liberties protection response, particularly in communities likely to be targeted. Demand federal oversight and accountability through public pressure and national coordination with other governors. North Carolina must act as a firewall against unconstitutional federal overreach. I respectfully ask that you respond with the urgency this moment demands.