(Letter to the Editor - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

In response to overzealous and otherwise unlawful activities carried out by federal law enforcement and other federal agencies, passive resistance, peaceful protest, and other legal actions are undoubtedly warranted. However, interfering with federal officers, or any officers, during their attempts to make an arrest or perform their duties is not only illegal but also unproductive. Should the questioned arrest or action be in violation of the law, there will be the opportunity to challenge the agent’s actions in court or another tribunal. Courts have unequivocally established that all individuals are entitled to a hearing before a court or other forum to demonstrate lawful grounds for their arrest and/or detention.

It is important to note that the majority of officers who have been ordered and directed to conduct these mass arrests, employing questionable tactics and wearing masks, are not acting out of malice. They are following orders that, if refused, could result in their termination. It is crucial to recognize that Trump and his associates, who are directing otherwise competent officers to conduct improper and questionable arrests, are the primary culprits in this situation. Agents or police officers should not be wearing masks or otherwise refusing to identify themselves, as such actions are illegal and smack of authoritarian regimes. The improper overzealousness exhibited by federal officers, who are under the direction of incompetent individuals, will not endure.

While halting an authoritarian executive branch may be a gradual and arduous process, the courts are actively intervening to counter their actions when they encroach upon legal boundaries. While we should unequivocally reject their use of unjustifiable methods, we must do so within the confines of the law. It is imperative that we continue the peaceful protests and demonstrations that are currently occurring across our nation at a level never seen before. The final obstacle that will effectively halt these improper enforcement actions and end the attempt at authoritarianism will be the voters of our country.

John D. Gainer

Parkersburg