To the editor:

The League of Women Voters (LWV) Newport County stands in solidarity with those who are heartbroken and outraged by the forceful removal of citizens of Newport County by trickery and without due process. 

Not only are immigrants being rounded up for deportation, U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents are as well. The LWV has a proud tradition of defending democracy for more than 100 years. As a nonpartisan organization, the League does not endorse political parties or candidates, but it does take positions on issues its members feel are critical to maintaining our constitution and democracy. 

One of the core positions of the League is to ensure equal rights and to promote equal justice and fair treatment for all. This includes U.S. citizens and its immigrant population. Our country is in a time in which the government seems to have a dual justice system for citizens and non-citizens. One of the goals of the current policy is to frighten and intimidate so that people are afraid to speak out or protest. Do not allow fear to compel us to allow injustice.

When we see this happening in our towns and cities, it must be called out and not ignored. Our immigrant population is a major contributor to our economy and our American culture. We must stand up and support them. Ways that this can be done are numerous and varied: 

• Engage in protest and advocacy — Organize and demonstrate peacefully, avoiding confrontation with authorities. If you find yourself amid violence or a standoff, sit down to show you’re non-violent. 

• Support communities that are engaged in immigrants’ rights, participate in campaigns to raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and urge your members of Congress to keep families and communities together. 

Stand up. Make good trouble. Follow the law.

Christine Stenning

Gene Thompson Grove

Susan Wells

Susan Travis

Becky McSweeney

Adrienne Shaw

Jill Kassis

Trish Sylvester

Karen O’Hara

Maureen Thomson 

The League of Women Voters Newport County