1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am writing to you as a concerned constituent who believes in the foundational principles of our democracy: the rule of law, the system of checks and balances, and the protection of constitutional rights for all individuals within our borders. A recently leaked classified assessment from the National Intelligence Council has deeply alarmed me. The report finds no evidence to support Donald Trump’s claim that the Venezuelan government is directing the Tren de Aragua prison gang to “invade” the United States. Despite this, the current Republican administration continues to use this unfounded claim to justify sweeping deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, a law rooted in wartime authority that is now being weaponized to bypass due process and violate the rights of immigrants and asylum seekers. This is not just a policy disagreement. It is an abuse of executive power, and it strikes at the very heart of our constitutional democracy. When fear is manufactured to justify authoritarian action, it is the responsibility of Congress, regardless of party affiliation, to intervene. The erosion of due process today opens the door for broader abuses tomorrow. I urge you to conduct immediate and thorough oversight of the administration’s use of the Alien Enemies Act. Congress must demand accountability, insist on transparency, and protect the constitutional rights of all people under U.S. jurisdiction. This includes blocking the misuse of national security claims when intelligence assessments directly contradict those narratives. Checks and balances only work if they are exercised. Please do not allow misinformation and fear to serve as the basis for policy that undermines our values and weakens our democracy.