The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) condemns the escalation of violence by the Trump administration following the recent military-style Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in heavily Latino neighborhoods in Los Angeles. We urge Congress and the public to stand against these violent actions and to uphold the rule of law, human rights, and our democracy.
The recent ICE raids targeted working families and caused immense fear and harm in the community. In response, they organized peaceful protests based on their First Amendment rights. President Donald Trump responded by deploying 2,000 National Guard troops in California without the consent of the governor.
This unusual federal deployment was made under an obscure and troubling assertion of “rebellion against the authority of the government of the United States.” It unnecessarily escalated community tensions in Los Angeles.
We are appalled that our government is using military troops against peaceful protesters exercising their constitutional rights. We urge the White House and Congress to act urgently to de-escalate the situation.
We are appalled that our government is using military troops against peaceful protesters exercising their constitutional rights.
We urge the Trump administration to withdraw the federalized National Guard immediately and collaborate with local and state authorities, law enforcement, civil society organizations, and protesters to restore civilian rule of law. We believe that the administration’s actions are not designed to restore peace, but to escalate the situation for political gain and justify the further use of the military against our communities.
We have already seen unrest spread to San Francisco, and President Trump has suggested he may deploy troops to other cities and states.
While we acknowledge that immigration authorities have a responsibility to enforce the law, we take issue with the aggressive, harmful, and indiscriminate methods they employ. These raids are destabilizing and traumatizing our communities.
This is the true cost of President Trump’s mass deportation campaign. His militaristic and authoritarian approach to immigration disregards state and local authorities, villainizes working families, strips immigrant communities, and separates children from their parents. It also denies due process and wrongfully ships people to prisons in other countries like El Salvador.
Instead of pursuing real solutions to the complex challenges of modern migration, the Trump administration is exploiting isolated incidents to mislead the public into believing that billions in immigration enforcement funding are needed in the upcoming budget reconciliation package.
Congress should not pass a blank check for more cruelty, especially to our migrant neighbors. Congress should not allow our constitutional right to peaceful assembly or dissent to be willfully ignored by the Trump administration.
FCNL is also gravely concerned that the administration may seek to expand its use of military force within our own borders through the Insurrection Act. Secretary of Defense Hegseth is deploying 700 Marines to Los Angeles.
This is a dangerous path. Federal troops have no place in domestic, civil law matters, and we urge Congress to reject any further militarization of domestic issues.
As people of faith, we call for an end to violence in all its forms, and encourage demonstrations to remain peaceful.
As people of faith, we call for an end to violence in all its forms, and encourage demonstrations to remain peaceful. Our Quaker beliefs compel us to speak out against mass detention and deportation, and to work toward a government that respects the human dignity and rights of all people.
Let us be clear: civilians seeking safety and freedom do not constitute an “invasion,” and military responses are not the solution. Our communities deserve dignity and respect, not fear and force.
