1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my profound outrage and alarm at the recent arrest of U.S. Senator Alex Padilla by Department of Homeland Security agents during a press conference—a blatant assault on our democratic norms, the constitutional separation of powers, and the foundational principle of free political speech. This is not an isolated incident. It is part of a broader and escalating pattern of authoritarian abuse by the Trump administration, which now includes the unprecedented deployment of U.S. Marines and the federalization of National Guard units in what can only be described as a show of force against American citizens and their elected representatives. The actions taken by President Donald Trump, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth are not only morally repugnant—they appear to violate multiple federal statutes and constitutional protections, including the First, Fourth, and Tenth Amendments. If these actions go unanswered, we risk normalizing political repression, military overreach, and the unlawful targeting of elected officials. I urge you in the strongest possible terms to: 1.     Publicly condemn the arrest of Senator Padilla and the militarized crackdown on dissent. 2.     Demand immediate investigations into the conduct of DHS and DOD leadership. 3.     Call for the impeachment of President Trump, DHS Secretary Noem, and DOD Secretary Hegseth for their abuse of power and subversion of the Constitution. 4.     Speak directly to your Republican colleagues and urge them to reject this dangerous slide into authoritarianism. Make clear that once Congress surrenders its constitutional powers to the executive branch, those powers will not return easily—if ever. Today’s strongman may turn on even his most loyal enablers. No member of Congress, regardless of party, will be safe under a presidency unchecked by law, precedent, or institutional restraint. This is not about partisanship—it is about the survival of representative democracy.   This moment demands courage, clarity, and the full exercise of the powers vested in Congress in Article I of the Constitution. History will remember who stood up and fought for democracy and who stood by while it was dismantled. Please act now to defend the Republic, while you still can.