1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my profound alarm and outrage regarding the recent allegations reported by Amnesty International concerning the treatment of individuals in South Florida under programs funded by the State of Florida’s disaster relief system. These allegations—describing conduct that may meet the legal definition of torture or cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment—are deeply disturbing and demand immediate investigation and accountability at the highest levels. If there is even a possibility that state resources have been used in ways that violate basic human rights, the people of Florida deserve full transparency, a halt to any ongoing abuses, and a clear corrective plan. No government—local, state, or federal—has the moral or legal authority to engage in practices that violate human dignity. Floridians should not have to fear that their tax dollars are being used to inflict harm on vulnerable people under the guise of emergency management. Oversight and accountability are not optional—they are the minimum standards of a functioning democracy. I call on you to respond with prompt public action. Silence or inaction would itself be an unacceptable failure of leadership.