1. United States
2. Ky.
3. Letter

The constitutional crisis triggered by the Trump administration's defiant refusal to comply with the Supreme Court order to facilitate Kilmar Abrego Garcia's return from El Salvador's notorious CECOT prison is deeply alarming. This blatant disregard for the rule of law and the system of checks and balances represents a dangerous escalation of presidential lawlessness. The administration's specious claims that the court order infringes on its foreign policy powers are a transparent attempt to justify its contempt for due process and human rights. By incarcerating immigrants like Abrego Garcia in foreign gulags without evidence or legal recourse, the administration is arrogating powers far exceeding its constitutional authority. Most ominously, the administration's assertion that it can "deport and incarcerate any person" undermines the very foundations of American democracy and civil liberties. If allowed to stand, this precedent would enable the executive branch to disappear citizens and non-citizens alike on mere accusation, eviscerating core constitutional protections. The rule of law and the separation of powers depend on all branches respecting the legitimate authority of the others. The administration's intransigent defiance in this case represents an unacceptable breaking of that covenant. Firm action is required to reaffirm the fundamental principles of democracy, due process, and human rights that the administration is cavalier about jettisoning. Pursue articles of impeachment against Donald Trump.