1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I am absolutely appalled with the President's comments suggesting deporting U.S. citizens who commit crimes to other countries like El Salvador. This kind of rhetoric is extremely alarming and unacceptable in a democracy that values due process and civil liberties. Deporting one's own citizens to foreign nations as punishment for crimes would be a severe violation of constitutional rights and the rule of law. It smacks of authoritarianism and has disturbing echoes of some of history's darkest chapters. We cannot allow this to become normalized or viewed as anything other than the most radical departure from American values and principles. All members of Congress have a responsibility to forcefully condemn these kinds of comments and make clear they will oppose any attempt to deprive citizens of their citizenship as punishment. Failure to do so puts our democracy at risk. I urge you as a representative to speak out strongly against this dangerous rhetoric and any policies that would strip citizens of rights based on criminal conduct. Protecting our constitutional freedoms must remain the highest priority, even for those accused of crimes who still maintain due process rights. Suggesting banishment for citizens is profoundly un-American and cannot be tolerated from the highest office. Upholding democratic values has to take precedence over political considerations. I implore you to take a stand.