Much of the discourse on immigration enforcement has centered around the premise that immigrants, specifically the undocumented, don't have the rights that citizens do. It is true that many rights, such as the right to vote, are reserved specifically for citizens of this country. What many don't realize is that the Constitution of the United States (which you might recognize as the Supreme Law of the Land, if you've taken your citizenship test) awards certain rights to all people in this country, regardless of status.
The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution states that,
"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."There is no specification of citizen, resident or immigrant. Those who insist that undocumented immigrants have no rights in this country might not be aware that the United States Constitution, upon which the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches of government are based, does award protection against unreasonable search and seizure. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) often violates this right during raids by exploiting immigrants' terror and ignorance of their rights. Furthermore, legal permanent residents and sometimes even citizens are hurt by ICE's methods due to their perceived race.
It is important for all of us who value our freedom to realize that this isn't an "Immigration Issue." This is an attack against Liberty.
