1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

The Trump administration's statements about potentially suspending habeas corpus, a fundamental constitutional right that protects against unlawful detention, are deeply concerning. Habeas corpus has been a bedrock principle upholding due process and preventing arbitrary imprisonment since its adoption from English common law. While there have been limited historical suspensions during major conflicts like the Civil War, the current situation at the border does not constitute an "invasion" that would justify such an extreme measure under the Constitution's Suspension Clause. Attempting to circumvent habeas corpus to expedite deportations would be a severe violation of civil liberties and a dangerous overreach of executive power. It would essentially allow for people to be indefinitely jailed without being formally charged or having their cases reviewed by a court - the very definition of a police state. This xenophobic policy motivation cannot be allowed to trample on such a foundational legal protection. As representatives, you have a duty to vigorously oppose any efforts to suspend this right and uphold the system of checks and balances enshrined in the Constitution. Concrete steps must be taken to hold the administration accountable for this alarming disregard for due process and the rule of law.