(Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection - Letter to the Editor)

When I was a child, my mother pointed out a well-dressed policeman quietly patrolling the streets. She told me if I was ever lost or needed help to go to one and he would help me.

When I was a young adult, I saw National Guards charge a group of students on a university campus. As a result of witnessing the violent interaction, I never encouraged my children to go to the police for help even though the interactions we had with the police were usually pleasant and helpful.

With horror, I have watched on TV as armed masked men, belonging to ICE or CBP, shot civilians, broke into homes without judicial warrants, marched half-naked seniors down the street, shipped citizens to detention centers across the country, and in general behaved like thugs. Civilians are being treated without dignity or kindness. I am outraged that ICE and CBP claim to be enforcing the law.

In January 2025, Governor Morrissey ordered the National Guard, the State Police, Corrections, and local police and sheriff departments to cooperate with ICE and CBP. In addition many local West Virginia police forces have signed agreements to cooperate with ICE and CBP.

In February 2026 the West Virginia Senate passed a bill (SB615) that would force local police to notify ICE of suspected undocumented people. The bill is currently in the House.

The forced cooperation with ICE and CBP contrasts with the helpful and caring image that law enforcement and the military normally project. As an example, the National Guard worked very hard during the COVID pandemic getting supplies to West Virginians. They have also assisted in natural disasters such as flooding to preserve life and property.

How can police and sheriff departments, that have sworn to uphold the law and the Constitution, force their officers to work with ICE or CBP agents who are violating the law?

How can officers, sworn to uphold the law and the Constitution, do nothing when they witness ICE and CBP agents obviously violating the law while they claim to be obeying their orders?

How can civilians trust law officers who are violating laws and the Constitution, or who are working with agencies that are violating the law and the Constitution? Do all law enforcement agencies just regard civilians as bodies to abuse?

Should parents teach children to flee from all people wearing law enforcement or military uniforms?

I am terrified!

Judith Gould Peascoe

Vienna