1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the increasing militarization of our immigration enforcement agencies, particularly Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Recent events have highlighted a disturbing trend of using military-style tactics and equipment against civilian populations, which not only threatens our civil liberties but also undermines the principles of our democracy. A recent raid on an apartment complex in Chicago's south shore exemplifies this alarming approach. The operation involved helicopters, door-breaching charges, and flash-bang grenades – tactics more suited for warfare than civilian law enforcement. This is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader pattern of excessive force being deployed in our communities. The use of such aggressive tactics has raised significant concerns among lawmakers and civil rights organizations. It's crucial to note that these actions don't just affect undocumented immigrants; they terrorize entire communities, including U.S. citizens and legal residents. The trauma inflicted by these raids can have long-lasting effects on families and neighborhoods. Furthermore, the implementation of a no-fly zone for drones around an ICE facility in Chicago raises questions about transparency and the public's right to monitor government activities. This, coupled with the lawsuit filed by journalists seeking an injunction against federal agents' actions during raids, points to a troubling lack of accountability. I urge you to take immediate action to address this issue. We need legislation that will: 1. Prohibit the use of military-grade equipment and tactics by immigration enforcement agencies in civilian areas. 2. Increase oversight and accountability for ICE and other immigration enforcement agencies. 3. Protect the rights of journalists and civilians to document law enforcement activities. 4. Redirect resources towards humane and effective immigration policies that don't rely on fear and force. The militarization of law enforcement, especially in the context of immigration, is a direct threat to our civil liberties and the values we hold as a nation. We must act now to ensure that our communities are safe, our rights are protected, and our immigration policies reflect our ideals of justice and humanity. I look forward to hearing about the steps you will take to address this critical issue.