I'm writing to condemn President Trump's deployment of federalized National Guard and federal troops into our communities in response to protests – and I'm calling on you to block this escalation from the Trump administration. This action is unnecessary, inflammatory, likely illegal, and a dangerous abuse of power.
Using troops in this way puts civilians and service members in harm’s way and represents a dangerous erosion of the strict line separating the federal military from civilian policing. The idea of armed military forces patrolling our streets in response to people protesting ICE policing is undemocratic and contrary to our values. This is a dramatic escalation and is just the latest move from an administration that is targeting individuals, organizations, cities, states, and elected officials who dare to oppose its extreme attacks on our communities.
This deployment pulls the National Guard away from the essential work they’re trained and trusted to do in truly extreme situations – like responding to natural disasters, public health emergencies, and other real community needs.
And make no mistake: President Trump's order isn't restricted to the protests in Los Angeles. President Trump is attempting to write himself a blank check to use the military to stifle dissent and scare us into silence in other parts of the country, too. Indianapolis, Muncie, Gary, Terre Haute, and Lafayette could be next.
I urge you to call on the Trump administration to withdraw military troops from our communities and rescind the deployment order. And going forward, Congress must reform these authorities so that they are reserved for genuine emergencies – not to target individuals, organizations, cities, states, and those exercising their rights under the Constitution.
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