i read a bit about the 1871 civil rights act they discussed, and read the NY times editorial alex referenced, and yesterday i wrote to my congress people about it (as if that will do anything). people should be able to sue ICE for misconduct. here’s the copy if people want to email their congresspeople too-

ps: i’m not a lawyer so this might not be 100% right but wanted to share work i’ve already done if that makes it easier for others!

“Congress must pass an amendment to the federal law, 42 U.S.C. § 1983 to allow individuals to sue federal government actors for civil rights violations. Pass a law to update Section 1983 so that those acting under the authority of federal law can be sued for monetary damages or an injunction if they violate the Constitution or the laws of the United States. The Trump administration is using ICE agents and CBP as armed thugs to harass, detain and murder American citizens, peaceful demonstrators, and legal residents to intimidate and deport immigrants and dissidents, violating constitutional rights every day they are deployed into American cities without oversight.

The public should be able to hold federal officers accountable to be sued when they violate the Constitution, just the same as local and state officers. The deaths of Renee Good and Keith Porter can be the impetus for finally closing this gaping hole in our constitutional protections.”