Letter to the Editor: Constitutional violations should concern us all

Dear editor, 

I feel compelled by recent letters to editors and local and national events to comment on specific instances of constitutional and other violations of the law by ICE, DHS and CBC.  

Everyone can see the videos/photos of 5-year-old American citizen Liam Ramos, who was recently released from detention in Texas with his father by order of a federal judge.

Recent court orders from federal courts in Minnesota are alarming and clear in the continued violations of the law by federal agents at the direction of Stephen Miller, Kristi Noem, Pam Bondi and ultimately by the president of the United States. 

Judge Blackwell states in  Segundo A.P.G. vs. Bondi, #26cv-603, February 3, 2026,  A habeus corpus action (where the government must show the just cause for seizing and detaining/imprisoning a person): “Detention without lawful authority is not just a technical defect, it is a constitutional injury that unfairly falls on the heads of those who have done nothing wrong to justify it.   The individuals affected are people.  

“The overwhelming majority of the hundreds seen by this court have been found to be lawfully present as of now in the country.  ... the government assumes a corresponding obligation to ensure that each detention complies with the Constitution and with court orders governing release. ... there are problems with supervision and training that have resulted in immense violence to our communities.”  

Judge Shlitz states in Juan T. R. vs Noem #26 CV-0107, another habeus corpus case: “This list should give pause to anyone — no matter his or her political beliefs — who cares about the rule of law.  ICE has likely violated more court orders in January 2026 than some federal agencies have violated in their entire existence.”  

He attached an appendix with the 96 court orders in 74 cases in January 2026, that the current administration is in violation of.   

Don’t’ take my word for it. Look them up. Federal courts publish their orders and opinions.                        

We would not allow our local and state law enforcement officers to act in this manner.  We also cannot consent or acquiesce to these violations toward anyone.  As Judge Blackwell said, these are people!   

If I only care about what happens to me or my tribe/group and not how everyone in this country is treated, then I must expect the same treatment for myself and my loved ones. This is not OK, this is not normal, this is not justice for all, this is not what America is about.  

We are better than this. We must be better than this and we must demand better from our elected and appointed officials at every level of our government.  Speak up. Use your voice. Vote. 

Sincerely, 

Tom Harrington, 

Shell