The 119th Congress, 2025: Act One

There seems to be two tendencies that might be stronger than ever with regards to national politics. To put it very briefly, the first is to engage the battle with more passion and righteousness than ever. The second is to write it off as insane and morally bankrupt and ignore it as much as possible. I can relate to both attitudes.

I myself do my best to stay focused on doing what’s mine to do, contributing what I can while staying grounded in my local community. I don’t respond to every dog whistle but go where my own energy is leading.

Walking that middle way, I’m always engaged in something, and one of yesterday’s projects was this brief letter to my Colorado senators. As an issue I care deeply about I offer it here in case it inspires something in you.

Jan. 8, 2025

Dear Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper,

The passage of the Laken Riley Act in the House inspires me to write to you and request your position not only on this bill, but your position and thoughts on the whole Trump agenda on immigration, detainment, mass deportation, and border security.

I think we can agree that Trump’s election victory is due in large part to his successful fear mongering about immigration. It was his primary campaign message and it helped to tip the scales. I think we can also agree, based on reporting of the data, that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than American-born citizens (1). And obviously, nothing is black and white: crime still happens, Laken Riley’s murder was tragic, and comprehensive immigration reform is necessary.

I was among the many people who were dismayed by the Harris campaign’s failure to adequately push-back on the Republican’s demonization of immigrants. And it’s clear there were others who felt the campaign needed to swing even harder in the direction of the Republicans. So I’d like to know where you stand?

I would like to think the Democrats have a principled, united stand going forward, but I have my doubts at this point. It’s been reported that more Democrats voted for the Laken Riley Act this year than last, 48 and 37, respectively (2). Can you elucidate this for me? Because I don’t see it as an easy, black and white issue, I’m open to hearing whatever nuances you’re willing to share.

According to the ACLU, the Laken Riley Act “poses a serious threat to civil liberties and violates bedrock constitutional principles” and “escalates a false, xenophobic narrative about immigrants” (3). It is not a public safety bill since the federal government already has expansive authority to detain noncitizens in deportation proceedings. As the first bill being passed out of this Congress it will set the stage for what’s to come, including confrontations at the state level.

I ask you to oppose the Laken Riley Act and not contribute to escalating a false, xenophobic narrative about immigrants. Thank you.

Notes

1. Immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born Americans, studies find, NPR, March 8, 2024.

2. These Democrats flipped their votes on the Laken Riley Act, The Hill, Jan. 7, 2025,

3. ACLU Responds to House Passage of H.R. 29, the Laken Riley Act, press release, Jan. 7, 2025.