1. United States
2. Iowa
3. Letter

I am writing to demand a clear, public response to reports that American citizens—including children—are being detained at a facility in Florida known as “Alligator Alley.” These reports describe the confinement of families in disturbing conditions, raising serious constitutional and moral alarms. Let me be clear: If you do not respond, I will consider your silence as an endorsement of these actions. You represent me, and the burden is on you to state clearly where you stand. The questions are simple: • Under what circumstances do you believe it is acceptable to detain American citizens, including children, without full due process? • Under what authority is it ever legal—or moral—to exile U.S. citizens from their own country? • Do you support or oppose the use of detention camps for American families? Exile is not a matter of immigration policy. American citizens, by law, cannot be deported or removed from their country. Any program that results in the forced displacement, confinement, or suppression of legal citizens—especially children—without judicial oversight is an illegal act and a violation of the Constitution. I further demand that you: 1. Publicly denounce the use of detention camps like “Alligator Alley” for American citizens and families. 2. Pledge that no child or family will be detained under your watch without full constitutional protections. 3. Affirm that exile is never acceptable for U.S. citizens, regardless of age, background, or perceived threat. Failure to answer these questions and take public action will not go unnoticed. Your record will be judged by what you do and what you refuse to say. Relevant Legal Protections: • U.S. Constitution, 5th and 14th Amendments: Guarantee due process and equal protection for all persons, including citizens and children. • Flores Settlement Agreement (1997): Mandates the humane treatment and release of children from detention. • Zadvydas v. Davis (2001): Prohibits indefinite detention or removal of U.S. citizens. • Convention Against Torture: Prohibits cruel and inhumane treatment, including indefinite confinement and psychological harm. I urge you to respond clearly and publicly. The people you serve have a right to know whether you stand for liberty—or for the quiet normalization of authoritarian practices.