Letter: Know your rights while protecting others'
We are writing to raise awareness about how people in our community are impacted by immigration enforcement, and how each of us can protect the rights of our neighbors.
In our conversations with community members and with local law enforcement over the last few months, we have been hearing more reports than usual of federal agencies operating in the area. While often unverified, reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents in our community raise legitimate concerns. Nationwide, there are troubling reports of federal agents bypassing due process, conducting raids without proper warrants, detaining individuals for prolonged periods without access to legal counsel, and failing to ensure fair hearings.
As a home to college and university members, we are also acutely aware of the impact of the federal State Department revoking the legal visa statuses of international students and staff without notice or usual procedure. At CMU, the Office of International Affairs has been working to limit the impact on international members of the university.
Local police are aware of concerns in the community about the protection of due process and fair treatment. Due process is a fundamental right enshrined in our Constitution: It must apply to all people within our borders, regardless of immigration status. When any enforcement agency violates these principles, it undermines the rule of law and erodes trust in public authorities.
Communities across the country are standing up for the rule of law by exercising the right to protest and draw attention to concerns and abuses.
As a group that advocates for the dignity and fair treatment of all members of our community, we want everyone to be empowered to protect the rights of immigrants. All of us have a civic duty to protect the rights and dignity of all our neighbors.
If you are concerned about the safety of your neighbors or see suspicious law enforcement activity, you can report concerns to the Mount Pleasant Police Department at (989) 779-5100.
You can also reach out to Community-Police Advocates, a program of the Mount Pleasant Area Diversity Group, with broader concerns. We will listen to any concern you have about an interaction with law enforcement, provide options for reporting, and advocate for effective safeguards of everyone’s rights with our local law enforcement agencies.
Finally, you can join with neighbors to support groups locally and nationally who are protesting and working to protect people from unconstitutional harassment and detention. If you see a local protest, such as the ones planned across the country this weekend, take the time to talk with protesters and learn about how to get involved with groups that are organizing in our community for the protection of the rights and freedom of all of us.
Sincerely,
Ulana Klymyshyn, Joyce Henricks, Andy Blom, Joyce Baugh
Community-Police Advocates
www.mpdiversity.org
