An open letter to the U.S. Congress

Congress must enact real legal limits on DHS now

153 so far! Help us get to 250 signers!

Also here: https://www.change.org/p/congress-must-enact-real-legal-limits-on-dhs-now Congress must enact real legal limits on DHS now I urge Congress to reassert the rule of law over the Department of Homeland Security through binding legislation. This is more important than hearings, statements, or political theater. Personnel changes alone are not sufficient. What matters is whether federal law meaningfully constrains DHS conduct, regardless of who leads the agency. Congress has both the authority and the responsibility to impose clear legal limits, enforceable in court, with real consequences for violations. I urge you to introduce and pass legislation that includes the following five reforms: 1) Automatic Trial for Fatal Force: When a federal agent causes the death of a U.S. citizen, it must trigger an independent investigation and criminal trial. Lethal force by the federal government must never be exempt from judicial review. 2) Criminal Liability for Illegal Orders: Senior officials who issue, authorize, or knowingly enforce unlawful orders that violate constitutional rights must face criminal prosecution. “Following orders” cannot shield illegal conduct. 3) Criminal Penalties for Civil Rights Violations: Any DHS official who knowingly violates constitutional or statutory civil rights must face explicit criminal penalties under federal law, not just internal discipline. 4) Limits on Domestic DHS Deployments: DHS must be prohibited from domestic law-enforcement deployments without explicit congressional authorization or formal consent from affected states. Federal agencies must not unilaterally operate as domestic paramilitary forces. 5) Citizen Right to Sue DHS: Congress must create a clear private right of action allowing individuals to sue DHS and its officials directly for constitutional violations, including damages and injunctive relief. These reforms are not partisan. They are structural. They protect democracy regardless of who holds power next. I ask you to publicly support and legislate these measures. Anything less leaves the rule of law vulnerable to abuse. Signed, A constituent committed to constitutional governance

▶ Created on January 29 by Liberty in Perpetuity

Sign Petition

Already signed?

  • Promote this campaign to get it texted to potential signers
  • Share this page or image
    A shareable card that reads "tell the U.S. Congress: Congress must enact real legal limits on DHS now" followed by "text sign PTGMMU to 50409"
  • Text INVITE PTGMMU to ask your friends to sign via text or email
  • and post around campus or on your community bulletin board
  • Use the iOS app to share with your contacts
  • Join our Discord and connect with fellow organizers
  • Upgrade to Premium to unlock more features and make sure we can keep delivering
Share on BlueskyShare on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on LinkedInShare on WhatsAppShare on TumblrEmail with GmailEmail

Fund texts of this petition

Drive more letter deliveries by funding text appeals to users. Become a member to double your reach per dollar.