Dear Neighbor,
You’ve probably seen the numerous videos, images and news stories about the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol officers. In fact, some of those actions have been found by courts as violating the constitutional rights of detainees and peaceful observers. One federal judge found that in January alone, ICE violated 96 different court orders. ICE has even detained naturalized US citizens and native-born citizens despite having no authority to do so.
In my view, this is not how a government agency behaves if it wants to lawfully fulfill its mission and earn public trust. Many members of our community are fearful for their rights and even for their physical safety, especially if additional federal immigration officers are sent to Michigan.
However, now is not the time to panic: it is time to get informed and make a plan. This is why I am holding a virtual Know-Your-Rights town hall, featuring special guests who are civil rights and immigration law experts.
This event will be held on Thursday, March 5, at 6:30 via Zoom. Click here to register if you are interested, and you will receive an email with a link to the Zoom meeting. If you are an immigrant, if you live with an immigrant or if you simply want to support your immigrant neighbors and the Constitution, this event is for you.
Yours in service,
Phil Skaggs
State Representative
House District 80