1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Mohammed al-Masri (also known as Mohammed Deif) for charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. These charges arise from legitimate, credible evidence of systematic attacks against civilians in Gaza, constituting gross violations of international law. Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard declared: “Prime Minister Netanyahu is now officially a wanted man. Following his indictment, as well as the indictments of Gallant and Mohammed al-Masri, ICC member states and the whole international community must stop at nothing until these individuals are brought to trial before the ICC’s independent and impartial judges. There can be no ‘safe haven’ for those alleged to have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity.” In light of these developments, I urge you, as the governor of our state, and all local leaders to follow the example set by Dearborn, Michigan, where city officials announced that Netanyahu and Gallant would be arrested if they step within city limits. This bold stand demonstrates a commitment to justice, democracy, and the rule of law, and should serve as a model for municipalities across the United States. While our federal government’s inaction may protect war criminals from facing accountability, local leaders have the power to send a clear message that perpetrators of mass atrocities are not welcome to travel freely in our cities. By declaring that our cities, counties, and our state are jurisdictions where ICC warrants will be honored, you would align with the universal principles of justice and uphold the obligations enshrined in international human rights law. The allegations against Netanyahu and Gallant include the deliberate targeting of civilians, obstruction of humanitarian aid, and indiscriminate attacks that have devastated Gaza. These acts are not merely abstract violations; they have caused immense suffering, loss of life, and destruction. To allow individuals responsible for such crimes to travel unimpeded would be a betrayal of our shared values. Anyone who claims to support democracy and human rights must stand behind the call to enforce these warrants. I urge you to publicly declare your commitment to honoring the ICC warrants against Netanyahu, Gallant, and any other individuals indicted for war crimes and crimes against humanity. This action would reaffirm our nation’s dedication to justice and ensure that our communities do not serve as a safe haven for those accused of heinous crimes. I expect an appropriate response and immediate action.