1. United States
2. Alaska
3. Letter

The right to peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy, protected by the Constitution. The actions taken by ICE officials at the immigration detention facility raise serious concerns about the suppression of lawful oversight by members of Congress and the infringement on the freedom of speech and assembly. Detaining the Newark mayor during a non-violent protest and forcibly removing him goes against our nation's founding principles. Immigration enforcement must operate within the bounds of the law and respect civil liberties. We call for a full investigation into this incident and a reaffirmation that protests and congressional oversight will be safeguarded without threat of unlawful retaliation or excessive force by federal agents. Upholding constitutional rights is paramount, even in matters of immigration policy.