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

Dear Members of Congress, I am writing to express my deep alarm and moral outrage over reports that the state of Florida and other jurisdictions are advancing policies that effectively create large-scale incarceration or internment facilities targeting vulnerable populations. These facilities—whether labeled as prisons, detention centers, or otherwise—bear chilling similarities to concentration camps in both function and intent. History has taught us that when governments round up people en masse—whether migrants, political dissidents, or members of marginalized communities—under the guise of “public safety,” “order,” or “enforcement,” we descend into dangerous territory. The very foundation of American democracy is built on human rights, due process, and equal protection under the law. These are not negotiable, and they must not be sacrificed for political expediency or ideological agendas. Florida’s recent legislative trajectory, coupled with militarized immigration enforcement and attempts to criminalize entire communities, is deeply troubling. Detaining people en masse—often without trial or adequate legal representation—is not just a legal failure; it is a moral one. We have seen the devastating consequences of such actions before in our own history: the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, the abuse of detainees in Guantanamo Bay, and more recently, the family separations at the southern border. Congress has a duty to act. I urge you to: Conduct an immediate investigation into the nature and purpose of these detention facilities. Halt federal funding to any state or local initiative that violates civil liberties or international human rights standards. Pass legislation to ensure that no person in the United States is held in prolonged detention without due process and independent judicial oversight. Hold accountable any officials—at any level—who promote policies rooted in cruelty, racism, or authoritarianism. Our nation’s character is defined by how we treat the most vulnerable among us. We must not allow fear, prejudice, or power to override justice and compassion. I implore you to take a stand before history repeats its darkest chapters.