1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

I am writing as a Pennsylvania constituent to express firm opposition to the expansion of large-scale immigration detention facilities and to the broader policy of mass civil detention without individualized due process. Many of the individuals being detained have not been convicted of crimes. In numerous cases, they have not even been charged with criminal offenses. Civil immigration violations are not criminal convictions, and detention prior to meaningful adjudication raises serious constitutional concerns. The Fifth Amendment guarantees due process before the deprivation of liberty. Detention should not be automatic, indefinite, or imposed without individualized assessment. I am particularly troubled by the detention of children. Even minors accused of criminal conduct in this country are entitled to structured juvenile due process protections and are rarely held in large warehouse-style facilities. Yet children who have not been convicted of crimes are being placed in detention environments that resemble penal settings. That raises profound moral and legal concerns. We already incarcerate more people than any other nation. Expanding a costly civil detention system for individuals who pose no demonstrated threat is neither fiscally responsible nor consistent with constitutional principles. Alternatives to detention exist that are less expensive and more humane. American taxpayers are funding the purchase and conversion of large warehouse facilities for expanded detention. I am asking for clear commitments: • Will you oppose additional appropriations for large-scale detention expansion until existing facilities meet enforceable health, safety, and due process standards? • Will you support hearings examining whether current detention practices comply with constitutional due process protections? • Will you support legislation prioritizing alternatives to detention for families and individuals who pose no public safety risk? • Will you publicly affirm that detention should never precede individualized due process determinations? Liberty is not supposed to be revoked first and justified later. I urge you to act to ensure federal policy reflects constitutional safeguards, fiscal responsibility, and basic human dignity.