John — I wanted to send you a quick update.

By now, you’ve seen the images coming out of Los Angeles.

The Trump administration’s continued targeting of our immigrant communities, its illegal renderings, and separation of families is absolutely unconscionable.

And so is the violence they have provoked. The vandalism and assaults on law enforcement. None of that is acceptable either.

You’ve seen the videos of ICE agents going into businesses and read the reports of them showing up at schools. You’ve seen communities coming together to support one another. You’ve heard the messages of the importance of family, community, and those who came here in search of a better life. You’ve seen the peaceful protests — the vast majorities of those who have gathered to express themselves. And yes, you’ve probably seen the unacceptable violence by those who don’t care about the plight of immigrant communities and simply wish to cause mayhem.

I want to start by saying that violence is never the answer, and assaulting law enforcement is never ok. Indeed, doing so plays directly into the hands of Donald Trump and those who seek to antagonize and weaponize the situation for their own gain. Do not let them succeed.

Our power as a community is in our voices, not our fists.

But I also want to take a moment to talk about Trump’s actions this weekend.

Trump’s actions are designed to inflame tensions and escalate the situation. Not de-escalate or make the situation better for anyone.

Calling in the California National Guard without the request or approval of the Governor — indeed over his opposition — is practically unprecedented. You would have to go back to the 1960s South and the effort to integrate schools over the objection of a segregationist governor to find another example, and that is hardly on point. Trump’s tactic here was meant to create more chaos, not stop it.

If the Guard is needed to restore peace, I’m confident Governor Newsom will ask for it. But continuing down this path will just erode trust in the Guard – the people we rely on in our worst moments, like when there’s an earthquake or major fire. Not to mention the even more unjustified move to bring in Marines.

But here’s why it’s such an issue — I see this as Trump using California as a test case for the unilateral misuse of the Guard across the country. And there is nothing he would like more than a violent confrontation with protestors to justify the unjustifiable — invocation of the Insurrection Act or some form of martial law.

So why does this matter, and what can you do about it?

First, it’s important to keep using your voice in peaceful protest of these actions. To do so safely and legally.

Second, keep standing up for our community and for immigrants. To tell their stories and make sure people know that they are not just part of our communities, but integral to who we are as a nation. There is no objection to deporting violent criminals, but there is strong objection to breaking up peaceful families.

And finally, use the tools you have at your disposal to push back against the Trump Administration’s messaging, dehumanizing language, and blatant lies.

In Congress, I’ve taken a number of steps:

First, yesterday I attended the bail hearing for David Huerta — a California labor leader who was arrested on Friday after observing an ICE raid.

I was present to support David, along with members of his family and others in the labor movement who know and respect David. I have also pushed the Department of Justice to answer questions about his arrest and the personnel involved. I was glad to see him released on bond at the conclusion of the hearing.

I’m also working on legislation to strengthen civilian protections and prevent the mobilization of federal troops without the explicit authorization of Congress in situations like this. It is a basic American principle that our military does not conduct or enforce civil law enforcement.

Trump has repeatedly exploited his authority and grossly abused the power of the Presidency far beyond its bounds. He has shown a willingness to do so across the board. Not just with the military, National Guard, or law enforcement agencies, but with law firms, universities, and more – and the American people are hurting because of it. 

Trump wants chaos. And he wants to exploit it. He doesn’t want to make your lives better. And he can’t point to a single thing he’s done in 141 days to make them better.

I’m going to keep doing everything I can to push back against this administration. I hope you do, too.

— Adam