1. United States
2. Ore.
3. Letter

I write to you today with grave concern regarding the President's declared intent to send American citizens to detention facilities in El Salvador. As your constituent, I urge you to use every power at your disposal to oppose this action and protect the constitutional rights of all Americans. Our nation was founded on principles that explicitly rejected the arbitrary exercise of power. When our founders declared independence, they cited specific grievances against the British monarch that bear a disturbing resemblance to what we now face: "He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good. He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries. He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance. For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world: For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent: For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury: For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences." The final grievance is particularly relevant to our present situation. The notion of sending American citizens to foreign detention facilities directly echoes the colonial-era practice of "transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences" that our founders found so abhorrent they listed it among the justifications for revolution. The Constitution guarantees due process, prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, and ensures that American citizens cannot be deprived of their liberty without the full protection of our laws and judicial system. Any attempt to circumvent these protections by sending citizens to foreign detention facilities is a direct assault on the fundamental principles upon which our nation was built. I implore you to: Publicly condemn this proposed action Work with your colleagues to pass legislation explicitly prohibiting such transfers Use congressional oversight powers to investigate and prevent implementation If necessary, pursue legal action to block any such attempts Petition the Supreme Court to hold the President in contempt. The separation of powers exists precisely for moments like this, when one branch of government threatens to exceed its authority at the expense of citizens' rights. Congress must serve as the check and balance our founders intended. Our nation's commitment to justice, liberty, and the rule of law is being tested. I urge you to stand firm in defense of these principles and the Americans whose rights and freedoms depend on your action.