Immigration is an issue that my friends who voted for Trump want to see addressed. They want a much tighter border and an efficient and fair immigration process. However, I don’t believe they wanted masked agents grabbing people they declare “suspicious” off the street without any local or legal oversight.
Most Americans were not expecting their law-abiding neighbors – including those who grew up here and were following our dysfunctional immigration laws – to be taken from their families as if they were criminals. And yet that is exactly what is happening everywhere, including right here in La Plata County.
Now, with the military killing of 11 alleged drug runners, we have a president who claims he can decide guilt and punishment without any presentation of evidence or judicial process. This claim highlights why due process must be available to everyone in a democracy. Without the right to present evidence under law, no one would be able prove their citizenship, legitimate residence or innocence. Without due process for everyone, leaders can silence their critics by simply declaring them to be undeserving of due process. That is why the Bill of Rights says “no person” shall be denied due process.
So, now is the time to speak up, while we still can, to end this unlawful use of power to terrorize our community. Use your voice to demand an end to lawless seizures and demand an effective and humane immigration policy.
Deb Paulson
Durango
