1. United States
2. Mass.
3. Letter

I am writing to you as a deeply concerned constituent in light of recent events that are nothing short of alarming. Just one day after the reported arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka for allegedly trespassing at an ICE facility, the Department of Homeland Security has now confirmed it may arrest sitting Democratic members of Congress for their involvement in a confrontation with law enforcement at another New Jersey ICE site. This is no longer business as usual. The escalation from peaceful protest to the threat of federal arrest for elected officials represents an authoritarian shift that should concern every American, regardless of political affiliation. Dissent is not a crime. Protesting unjust immigration practices is not a threat to national security. These are protected acts of democracy. The idea that public servants—people chosen by the people—are being treated as enemies for standing with their constituents should be unacceptable in any functioning democracy. If the federal government is willing to arrest mayors and members of Congress, who will be next? I urge you to speak out—publicly and without ambiguity—against this targeting of political leaders. Hold DHS accountable. Demand transparency and constitutional integrity. Take steps to ensure that peaceful protest and public service are not criminalized.