OPPOSE Laken Riley Act (S.5 & H.R.29)

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the Laken Riley Act (S.5 & H.R.29) and to urge you to vote against this legislation. While the tragic death of Laken Riley is deeply saddening, this bill proposes measures that undermine constitutional protections and disrupt the balance of power between state and federal governments without enhancing public safety. Erosion of Executive Authority: The bill grants states unprecedented standing to sue the federal government over a wide array of immigration-related actions, ranging from detention and visa policies to individual case decisions. This could lead to endless litigation, hindering the executive branch's ability to effectively implement immigration policies, regardless of the party in power. Judicial Overload: By providing blanket standing to states, the bill could inundate federal courts with immigration lawsuits, creating chaos that the Constitution seeks to avoid. This would divert judicial resources away from other critical matters and lead to significant delays in the justice system. Mandatory Detention Concerns: The legislation mandates detention without bond for undocumented individuals arrested for or charged with theft-related offenses, even minor ones like shoplifting, regardless of conviction. This undermines the presumption of innocence and due process rights, as individuals could face prolonged detention without a fair hearing. Disruption of Federal Immigration Policy: Allowing state attorneys general to challenge federal immigration decisions could lead to a fragmented and inconsistent immigration system. This undermines the federal government's constitutional authority over immigration and foreign affairs, potentially leading to conflicting policies across states. Negative Impact on Communities: The bill perpetuates harmful stereotypes by exploiting personal tragedies to fuel anti-immigrant rhetoric. Studies have shown no correlation between immigration status and criminality; therefore, such measures do not contribute to public safety and instead foster division within our communities. I urge you to oppose the Laken Riley Act and to advocate for immigration policies that uphold constitutional protections, respect the balance of powers, and promote the well-being of all community members.