ATLANTA – State Representative Derrick Jackson (D-Tyrone) issues the following statement regarding reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Peachtree City:
“These ICE operations in Peachtree City have left local residents in a state of fear and uncertainty. As a state representative representing portions of Fulton and Fayette counties, I am calling for an immediate halt to what can only be described as unwarranted and aggressive tactics that mirror the most painful chapters of American history.
“ICE is conducting searches that are unwarranted and reminds us of a dark period of our history that questioned Black people about their citizenship papers. I served this country for 22 years in the United States Navy, and we never practiced an exercise or scenario that required military members to parade through our streets and terrorize our women and children. We must stop this madness. This is a bad episode of ‘Government Gone Wild,’ and the American public deserves better. In fact, the Supreme Court must act. Congress must act. The people must act if we are going to keep this democracy.
“While the rule of law is paramount, the current execution of these federal mandates lacks the oversight and constitutional restraint required in a free society. I am urging local leaders and citizens to document these encounters and am calling on Georgia’s congressional delegation to launch a formal inquiry into the legality of these tactics. When our neighbors are afraid to walk to their cars or send their children to school because of federal intimidation, we have lost our way. Military-style maneuvers have no place on the streets of Peachtree City or any other community in this district.”
Representative Derrick Jackson represents the citizens of District 68, which includes portions of Fayette and Fulton counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and re-elected in 2022. He currently serves on the Budget & Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Regulated Industries and State Planning & Community Affairs committees.
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