Dear Senator / Representative,
I am a U.S. citizen and Colorado constituent writing to urge you to uphold your constitutional duty to provide meaningful oversight of the executive branch. Recent actions taken by federal law-enforcement and immigration authorities raise serious constitutional and human-rights concerns that warrant immediate congressional scrutiny.
The Constitution assigns Congress a critical role in checking executive power. That role is especially important when credible reports and eyewitness accounts suggest potential violations of civil liberties protected under the First, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments.
In recent weeks, there have been widely reported incidents involving federal agents responding to protests and immigration enforcement actions in ways that appear inconsistent with constitutional safeguards. These include allegations of excessive use of force against individuals engaged in peaceful assembly, warrantless entries into private residences, and the temporary detention of U.S. citizens or lawful residents without clear due-process protections. In at least one reported incident in St. Paul, Minnesota, a U.S. citizen was detained in his home during an immigration operation before being released once his citizenship was established.
Additionally, reports of individuals being detained or transferred without timely access to legal counsel or a clear accounting of the legal basis for their custody raise serious Fifth and Sixth Amendment concerns. Regardless of immigration status, the Constitution guarantees due process and protection from unreasonable searches and seizures.
These concerns are compounded by broader questions about executive overreach, including the expanded use of executive orders, and unresolved issues related to compliance with the Emoluments Clause. When taken together, these issues point to a troubling erosion of constitutional norms rather than isolated incidents.
I respectfully request that you:
Publicly support and initiate congressional oversight hearings into federal law enforcement and immigration enforcement practices;
Seek testimony and documentation from relevant agencies regarding use-of-force policies, warrant requirements, and due-process safeguards;
Support the preservation of records and cooperation with Inspectors General and, where appropriate, independent investigations;
Use Congress’s appropriations and oversight authority to ensure constitutional compliance, including consideration of censure or impeachment proceedings if warranted by the evidence.
This is not a partisan request. It is a constitutional one. The framers vested Congress with oversight authority precisely to prevent the concentration or abuse of power by any president, regardless of party.
As a voter and constituent, I am asking you to publicly state your position on these matters and the actions you will take to defend constitutional protections. The strength of our democracy depends not only on elections, but on the willingness of elected officials to act when constitutional principles are at risk.
Sincerely,
Kristen Downs
