URGENT: Protect Our Elections and Communities from Authoritarian Threats

I write to you with deep urgency as a resident of Pennsylvania who is alarmed by the grave threats facing our democracy and communities in light of the recent federal budget bill. The 2025 budget—forced through Congress and loaded with authoritarian provisions—marks a dangerous turning point. Chief among these threats are two that demand immediate state-level resistance: 1. The integrity and safety of the 2026 midterm elections 2. The emboldened and lawless expansion of ICE operations If we wait until 2026 to defend our elections, it will already be too late. We need protective measures now. Pennsylvania must invest in transparent, secure, paper ballot-based voting systems, ensure no-touch voter roll access by unauthorized actors, and prohibit data sharing or cooperation with federal efforts to interfere in our democratic processes. Meanwhile, ICE—already notorious for its abuses—is being supercharged with billions more dollars and likely new authority to operate unchecked. History tells us what happens when militarized agencies are given power without oversight. We are seeing the foundations of a political police force, one that targets immigrants and dissenters alike. You must act to shield Pennsylvanians from these abuses. I implore you to: • Introduce and pass legislation prohibiting state and local law enforcement from cooperating with ICE. • Ensure no state resources are used to support deportation raids, surveillance, or data sharing. • Fund legal support and sanctuary protections for vulnerable communities. • Investigate any unconstitutional overreach by federal agents operating in our state. • Ban the use of masks or face coverings by ICE or any law enforcement operating in Pennsylvania, and require that all officers clearly identify themselves with visible names and badge numbers. The federal government is failing us. State leaders must step up. We are not asking for symbolic gestures—we are begging for real protections from fascist encroachment. If you believe in the Constitution, in democracy, in freedom—you must act now. History is watching. So are your constituents.