1. United States
2. Maine
3. Letter

I am writing to express deep concern and condemnation regarding the secretive and coercive tactics employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as recently exemplified in the detention of Tufts University PhD student Rumeysa Ozturk. The use of plainclothes agents and the failure to identify themselves as ICE officers raises serious questions about transparency and accountability.   Furthermore, ICE’s actions often disregard judicial orders and due process requirements, undermining the rule of law and the rights of individuals. The recent detention of Ms. Ozturk, despite holding a valid visa, highlights these issues.   Moreover, it is imperative to address the administration’s and ICE’s attempts to silence individuals exercising their First Amendment rights. The Constitution protects the right to free speech for all individuals within the United States, including non-citizens. Arresting and deporting individuals for expressing political views is a clear violation of these rights and sets a dangerous precedent for future administrations to target dissenting voices based on political speech.   I urge you to take immediate action to ensure that ICE operates within the bounds of the law, respects due process, and protects the constitutional rights of all individuals, including their right to free speech. Congressional oversight is crucial to prevent such abuses of power.