Deploying military forces in U.S. cities is undermining trust, tearing families apart, and harming local communities and economies. UnidosUS, joined by 47 leading civil rights and advocacy organizations, has sent a letter urging Congress to act immediately to protect civil rights and halt unlawful military actions.
Congressional Leaders Addressed
The letter is directed to:
- House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA)
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY)
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD)
- Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY)
The organizations warn that recent Supreme Court rulings and executive actions, including racial profiling and military involvement in immigration enforcement, threaten constitutional safeguards and civil rights, setting a dangerous precedent.
Key Statements from Leaders
- Janet Murguía, UnidosUS:
“The military’s role is to defend our nation, not patrol our neighborhoods. Congress must ensure taxpayer money is not used for unlawful deployments.”
- Frankie Miranda, Hispanic Federation:
“Deploying the National Guard in our communities stifles local economies, instills fear, breaks trust, and diverts vital funding from lifesaving programs.”
- Evelyn DeJesus, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
“Militarization of our cities assaults civil rights, especially for immigrants, Latinos, and communities of color. True security comes from justice and solidarity, not armed patrols.”
- Roman Palomares, LULAC:
“No community is expendable. The military’s duty is to defend our nation, not police our communities.”
- Hector Sanchez Barba, Mi Familia Vota:
“Misusing the military for racial profiling is abuse of power and violates civil rights. Congress must act now.”
- Derrick Johnson, NAACP:
“American citizens, lawful immigrants, and youths have been swept up in needless arrests. Civil rights are non-negotiable.”
- Drew P. Schaffer, William E. Morris Institute for Justice:
“Federal overreach threatens all civil, constitutional, and democratic rights. We must act now, or risk losing protections generations have fought for.”
Why This Matters
- Families are living in fear due to militarized patrols in their neighborhoods.
- Legal protections are weakening, particularly for immigrants and communities of color.
- Civil rights and constitutional safeguards are at stake.
Congress has the authority and responsibility to prevent misuse of military resources and uphold the rights of every American.
About UnidosUS
UnidosUS is the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. Since 1968, it has worked to challenge social, economic, and political barriers affecting Latinos through research, advocacy, programs, and a network of over 300 community-based organizations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
