ACLU Supporter, among the escalating actions that the Trump administration conducted over the course of the past week to suppress protests for immigrants rights was an alarming assault against an elected congress person – and it should not be forgotten.

Senator Alex Padilla was violently ejected from a public press conference, pushed to the ground, and handcuffed by Trump officials – all for asking a question of Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.

This is a horrifying reminder of the lengths that the Trump administration is willing to go to silence anyone who challenges them.

Targeting anyone, let alone an elected official, for opposing the president's abuses is straight out of an authoritarian playbook. Tell the Department of Homeland Security and FBI to stop targeting those who challenge President Trump.

The government assaulted Sen. Padilla for merely representing his constituents and challenging federal abuse of power.

Sen. Padilla is one of the nation's most senior Latino leaders and represents California – a state that has been the target of devastating ICE raids and cruelty from the federal government, a state that has seen families ripped apart and communities destroyed by these raids, a state that has had National Guard troops and Marines deployed to its streets in response to civilians protesting these abuses.

The administration is trying to intimidate, bully, and threaten anyone who dares oppose the unconstitutional anti-immigrant policies coming from the White House. We can't let them get away with it.

Our officials have a right – and a duty – to represent their constituents and check federal abuse of power. Join us in demanding an end to the Trump administration's attacks on dissent.

For our democracy,

The ACLU Team