The line must be drawn here!
As a military veteran, I swore an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. That oath wasn’t just about protecting borders or fighting wars. It was about preserving the principles that make this country a beacon of democracy and justice. It was about keeping the, albeit imperfect, Pax Americana – the peaceful post-war period built by our country’s soft power, and a succession of presidents who used that power to maintain our position in the world.
One of those principles I swore to protect is the rule of law, which ensures that no one is above it—not a president, not a foreign leader, and certainly not a government agency. The recent case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man mistakenly deported in violation of court orders, represents a catastrophic erosion of those principles. This cannot be allowed to continue. The foundation of our democracy rests on the checks and balances set forth in the Constitution. It rests upon the law and the requirement of due process before condemning a person.
When the executive branch ignores judicial rulings, as it has done in Garcia’s deportation, it undermines the very system designed to prevent our fall into tyranny and protect individual human rights. Courts exist to provide oversight and accountability, ensuring that government actions are lawful and just. If court orders can be ignored with impunity, this is evidence we are sliding into authoritarianism, a system where government power is unchecked, and individual freedoms are trampled.
As Americans, we must demand that our leaders respect the judiciary and uphold due process for everyone, regardless of their immigration status or political affiliations. This situation also sets a chilling precedent for future cases. If the government can deport someone in error, admit wrongdoing, and still refuse to correct its mistake because of diplomatic convenience or political expediency, what’s stopping them from doing it again? What’s stopping them from targeting other vulnerable individuals—immigrants, activists, or even citizens—under flimsy pretexts? The Constitution guarantees equal protection under the law, but that guarantee means nothing if those in power can disregard it whenever it suits them.
We must draw a line here and now: mistakes must be corrected, court orders must be obeyed, and every person deserves their day in court. This isn’t about partisan politics; it’s about the soul of our democracy. As someone who served this country, I believe in its promise—that justice will prevail and that no one will be denied their rights without due process. The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a test of that promise. If we fail to condemn this blatant disregard for the rule of law, we risk losing what makes America truly great: our commitment to fairness, accountability, and justice for all. Let this be a call to action for every American who values these principles—stand up, speak out, and demand better from those who lead us.