Dear Members and Community,

This month, I want to use this space to reiterate the League's statement on recent activity of ICE and the threat it poses to our democracy.

"The League of Women Voters of California strongly condemns the recent and escalating use of force by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal authorities against protestors in Minnesota and across the country. These actions represent a disturbing abuse of federal power and a direct threat to the constitutional rights of free speech, peaceful assembly, and due process.

Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy. The use of intimidation, militarized tactics, and physical force against individuals exercising these rights is unacceptable and incompatible with democratic values. As LWVUS has made clear, federal law enforcement must not be weaponized to silence dissent or suppress civic engagement . . . The League urges Congress to immediately investigate ICE's use of force, deployment tactics, and potential violations of civil and constitutional rights. Oversight is not optional -- it is a fundamental responsibility."

Our League has obtained pocket size copies of the Constitution of the United States in honor of its 250th anniversary in 2026. If you would like to receive one for handy reference in these challenging times, please email me at Diane.McNutt@lwvsjsc.org and one will be sent to you.

Diane

Diane McNutt, President

League of Women Voters of San Jose/Santa Clara

Diane.McNutt@lwvsjsc.org

Reminder: All League members are invited to attend the monthly Board business meetings, usually held on Zoom on the first Thursday of the month. If you would like to attend, contact me for agenda, time and link information.