1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The recent ICE operation in Nashville that resulted in approximately 150 traffic stops and 84 arrests is deeply concerning. Targeting individuals over minor infractions like tinted windows or broken taillights, and questioning them about tattoos, reeks of racial profiling against the immigrant and refugee community. Families have been separated, with many still unable to locate their loved ones who were swept up in this enforcement action conducted without coordination from local officials. This heavy-handed approach, carried out in collaboration with state agencies like the Tennessee Highway Patrol, undermines due process and tramples on civil liberties. People should not have to live in fear of being detained and deported over minor violations, especially those who are lawfully seeking asylum. Such draconian measures are reminiscent of dark periods in history we should learn from, not repeat. I urge you to use your authority to demand transparency from ICE and the agencies involved. Obtain the names of all those detained, the charges against them if any, and ensure they have proper legal representation. Pressure ICE to immediately release any detainees being held unlawfully and reunite them with their families. Upholding civil rights and preventing further trauma to our communities must be a top priority. Unchecked immigration enforcement inevitably leads down an unacceptable path of injustice and human rights violations that tarnish our nation's values.