As members of the Leagues of Women Voters of San Mateo County, we are deeply alarmed by the recent and escalating use of force by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the threat of domestic military engagement in our country. Recent incidents, including events in Minnesota and Oregon, represent a troubling abuse of federal authority and a direct assault on core constitutional protections, including the First Amendment rights to free speech and peaceful assembly.

The use of intimidation, militarized tactics, and physical force against individuals lawfully exercising their rights is both unacceptable and incompatible with democratic values. As the League of Women Voters of the United States has made clear, federal law enforcement must never be weaponized to silence dissent or suppress civic engagement. We join our state and national Leagues in calling on Congress to launch an immediate, independent investigation into recent use-of-force incidents involving federal immigration enforcement personnel.

A Call for Congressional Oversight

We urge members of our community to contact our congressional representatives and demand:

• A full and transparent congressional investigation into ICE’s conduct. 
• Accountability for any violations of civil rights or misuse of federal authority.
• Immediate steps to ensure federal agencies respect constitutional protections and democratic norms. 

State-Level Efforts in California

While federal oversight is essential, we also recognize the importance of action at the state level.  In California, new legislation proposes multiple strategies to hold ICE accountable for its actions within our state. These proposals reflect growing recognition that state-level action is essential to protect residents, uphold civil liberties, and establish meaningful guardrails on federal enforcement practices. The League is actively reviewing these bills and will continue to advocate for policies that protect communities and strengthen democratic oversight. 

Taking Action in San Mateo County

Here in San Mateo County, we applaud the San Mateo County Supervisors for strengthening policies to build transparency and trust.  Protecting our neighbors and communities starts with being informed and prepared. If you share our concern, the following resources can help ensure community safety and civic resilience:

• San Mateo County Rapid Response Hotline: call 203-666-4472 (203-NO-MIGRA) in case of ICE contact or sightings
• Know Your Rights toolkit from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center:  Practical guidance for individuals and families
• Asian Law Caucus Know Your Rights Guides:  available in multiple languages, including information on ICE home encounters and legal protections
• California’s Immigration Protections Webinar: Resistance & Resilience—an in-depth look at state-based protections for immigrant communities from the League

The League of Women Voters stands for open government, equal rights, and the protection of our democratic institutions. Today, those values compel us to speak out. We urge all San Mateo County residents to stay informed, stand up for civil liberties, and help ensure our communities remain places of dignity, safety, and constitutional integrity—for everyone.

Tina Doede
President, League of Women Voters of North & Central San Mateo County

Lucia Tedesco
President, League of Women Voters of South San Mateo County