Hi John,

Regardless of your stance on immigration, the growing power of ICE should concern us all.

ICE is now the largest federal law enforcement agency in the country…and one with few checks on its power. 

The increased funding and emboldened behavior of ICE isn't just a policy shift – it's a warning sign of authoritarianism. Let's break down what's happening 👇

ICE is required to follow the US Constitution and federal law, but it has fewer guardrails than other law enforcement agencies. 

• No laws explicitly ban ICE agents from wearing masks to hide their identity.
• No laws require ICE agents to wear body cameras or provide badge number or identification.
• ICE agents may legally arrest people without a warrant if they "reasonably believe" the person is likely to escape. 

Even before the current administration, ICE has had a long history of allegations of abuse, and that conduct is only increasing. They've sent hundreds of men to El Salvador, in defiance of a federal district court order. Immigrants who are legally in the United States are being arrested and even US citizens are being detained.

A law enforcement agency that feels free to ignore basic rights is a threat to everyone, not just immigrants. The creation of a security force with limited accountability, that answers only to those in power, is often a step that authoritarians take to suppress dissent and entrench themselves in power. 

Too few people understand the potential dangers of a growing ICE agency, so please forward this email to your friends and family.