Protect Free Speech: Protest Arrest of U.S. Army Veteran

I am writing to express my deep concern over the recent arrest of Bajun Mavalwalla II, a U.S. Army veteran, former sergeant, and survivor of a devastating roadside bomb blast during a special operations mission in Afghanistan. As reported in The Guardian on September 2, 2025, his arrest appears to stem from his participation in a protest against federal immigration policies and actions taken by ICE. This arrest not only raises serious questions about selective enforcement and political repression, but it also directly implicates the very constitutional freedoms that Mr. Mavalwalla and countless other veterans have risked their lives to protect. The First Amendment guarantees the right to free speech, peaceful assembly, and political dissent, regardless of administration or party. When veterans—individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary courage in defense of our democracy—are treated as criminals for exercising those rights, it signals a dangerous drift away from democratic principles. I urge you, as my elected senator, to: 1) Demand transparency from the Department of Justice and the FBI regarding the charges and circumstances of Mr. Mavalwalla’s arrest. 2) Defend the constitutional right to protest against government actions, ensuring that political dissent is not criminalized under the guise of maintaining order. 3) Publicly oppose and investigate any pattern of politically motivated arrests or chilling of civic activism that erodes trust in our democratic institutions. Mr. Mavalwalla’s courage in service should not be met with punishment for civic engagement. The broader message being sent by actions like this is chilling: that legitimate political opposition will be silenced. I ask you to speak out, take action, and stand firmly in defense of the Constitution against the creeping normalization of authoritarian practices in our country. Thank you for your leadership, and I look forward to your response.