Episode 7

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Published on:

21st Apr 2025

When the Courts Are Ignored: Deportations Without Due Process

Take Action

If this concerns you, take action with those in this situation showing courage. Here's how you can make sure your elected officials and the public hear from you — and can't say they didn't know. 

📧 Email Template 

Subject: Defend the Constitution—Hold the Executive Branch Accountable

Dear [Senator/Congressperson],

I’m writing to express deep concern about the Trump administration’s recent use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelan migrants without due process—in direct defiance of a federal court order. That the Supreme Court had to step in with an emergency ruling to enforce due process for these migrants is not only alarming, it’s unacceptable.

This is not about policy differences. It is about the rule of law, judicial independence, and constitutional checks and balances—the foundation of our democracy. When any president disregards court orders and bypasses legal procedures to punish or exile people without a trial, that is a crisis. It is a moment that demands more than concern. It demands action.

I urge you to make clear—through public statements, hearings, and legislative oversight—that no administration is above the law. We cannot allow a wartime law from 1798 to be used in peacetime to strip people of rights and send them to foreign prisons based on vague allegations. We cannot normalize contempt for the courts.

Our democracy depends on accountability. I hope you will speak out and do everything in your power to ensure the executive branch cannot use force and fear to erode the Constitution.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

☎️ Phone Script

Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [Your City].

I’m calling because I’m deeply alarmed that the Trump administration defied a federal court order and deported Venezuelan migrants without due process. It took an emergency ruling from the Supreme Court to stop it. That’s not just wrong—it’s dangerous.

When a president ignores the courts, it puts our entire system of checks and balances at risk. This isn’t about immigration—it’s about the Constitution.

I’m asking [Senator/Congressperson Last Name] to speak out and take action to hold the administration accountable. Our democracy depends on defending the rule of law.

Thank you for taking my call.

📣 Sample Social Media Post 

 🚨 The Trump admin ignored a federal court order & deported people without trial. It took the Supreme Court to stop them. That’s not immigration policy—it’s contempt for the Constitution. This is not normal. Speak up. #RuleOfLaw #DueProcessMatters

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/441f8b63-be6f-4904-8c40-ca81e6d1a1cb/

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About the Podcast

Bigger Than Me Democracy Project
Where headlines meet history—and we stand united.
Bigger Than Me is a rapid-response audio blog from the Bigger Than Me Democracy Project.

Hosted by Bonnie Ross, this blog helps listeners make sense of the moments that don’t just make news — they challenge democratic norms. Each episode breaks down what happened, why it matters, and how it fits into the authoritarian playbook described in On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder.

Here are the 20 lessons we return to again and again:
1. Do not obey in advance.
Authoritarianism thrives when people preemptively conform. Refuse to teach power what it can get away with.

2. Defend institutions.
Institutions don’t protect themselves. Pick one you care about — a court, a library, a newsroom — and take its side.

3. Beware the one-party state.
Support multiparty democracy and fair elections while you still can. Vote in every election. Consider running for office.

4. Take responsibility for the face of the world.
Symbols matter. Hate spreads when we get used to seeing it. Don’t look away. Don’t let it stand.

5. Remember professional ethics.
When leaders set bad examples, ethical commitments matter more. Rule of law needs defenders in every field.

6. Be wary of paramilitaries.
When the men with guns claim to protect the nation, watch who they march with. The merging of unofficial militias and official forces signals real danger.

7. Be reflective if you must be armed.
If you serve in uniform, be ready to say no when something isn't right.

8. Stand out.
The moment you do, others will follow. Nothing breaks the spell of the status quo like someone brave enough to go first.

9. Be kind to our language.
Avoid political clichés and empty slogans. Speak clearly. Read deeply. Think for yourself.

10. Believe in truth.
If nothing is true, power wins. Reality matters. Truth is the foundation of freedom.

11. Investigate.
Don’t just consume headlines. Subscribe to trustworthy journalism. Learn how propaganda works.

12. Make eye contact and small talk.
It’s more than polite — it’s civic glue. In times of fear and distrust, human connection is resistance.

13. Practice corporeal politics.
Get off the screen. Show up in person. Join others in physical, public acts of civic life.

14. Establish a private life.
Protect your digital life. Keep some conversations offline. Tyrants exploit what they learn about you.

15. Contribute to good causes.
Support organizations that reflect your values. Help sustain civil society with your time and money.

16. Learn from peers in other countries.
Authoritarianism is a global trend. Stay connected beyond borders. Have a passport. Use it.

17. Listen for dangerous words.
“Emergency.” “Terrorism.” “Extremism.” Authoritarians exploit these words to justify taking power.

18. Be calm when the unthinkable arrives.
Crises are used to break democracy. Don’t trade freedom for false promises of safety.

19. Be a patriot.
Model the kind of America you want future generations to inherit.

20. Be as courageous as you can.
No one wants to be a hero. But if we’re not willing to risk for freedom, we all risk losing it.

About your host

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Bonnie Ross