Withdraw militarized troops from America's city streets

TO THE EDITOR:

I wish to express my outrage by the deployment of masked, federal immigration officers patrolling the streets of our country who are engaged in a systematic campaign of terror and mayhem (i.e. in violation of the Posse Comitatus Act). The violent and inhumane practices of the I.C.E. & C.B.P. are reprehensible. These mass immigration raids are engaging in racial profiling as they target people of color without regard for their documentation. Entering residences, schools, businesses, and houses of worship without judicial warrants and detaining individuals without due process is both unconstitutional and without legal precedent.

The courageous residents of the Twin Cities have stood up to these jack-booted thugs who have little training in crowd control. These brave Minnesotan souls are defending their neighborhoods and vulnerable citizens in what can only be described as urban warfare perpetrated by an authoritarian Federal Government whose only apparent aim is retribution for being a "Sanctuary City." Invoking their First Amendment Rights, the protesters in return are being vilified by the Administration as "Domestic Terrorists" & "Radical Lunatics."

I, for one, am horrified to see what has become of our country. I demand that Congress take action to rein in this wannabe dictator and to seek accountability for the victims of the brutality meted out by his goon squad.

I sincerely hope members of Congress will take the example of Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who is demanding a "full joint Federal & State investigation" of the murders of both Good & Petti. Furthermore, this Administration must refrain from character assassination of the victims or statements that may prejudice any reasonable investigation of the facts.

Finally, I would urge that consideration of funding for the Department of Homeland Security in the upcoming budget session should hinge on a full withdrawal of militarized troops from our city streets and a return to the rule of law regarding immigration policy.

KENYON KELLY