Missouri Coalition for the Environment depends on free speech, peaceful assembly, free and fair elections, and a functioning democracy to advocate for Missourians and our environment. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) practices—including the killing of Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez and Renee Nicole Good, dozens of deaths in ICE custody, and the harming of many others—threatens our civil liberties and democratic participation.
Each time we meet with legislators, assemble in Jefferson City, or speak with concerned residents, we rely on our constitutional rights to engage in public discourse about issues affecting the environment, our communities, and our democracy. ICE is placing our inalienable rights at risk: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
It is vital to speak out when the freedom to engage in civic participation is threatened.
We oppose the use of violence and excessive force by ICE and any government entity, and we stand in solidarity with advocates and communities already impacted by ICE actions. We also condemn the deployment of military or militarized forces in response to civilians engaging in peaceful protests.
MCE, like all organizations advocating for policy-based and systemic changes, relies on democratic processes such as voting, running for office, and advancing ballot initiatives. Actions by government authorities that intimidate, harm, or suppress individuals engaged in civic activity pose a fundamental threat to those processes. MCE stands firmly against violence and fear tactics that silence Missourians and others who speak out—whether to protect the environment or to defend the rights and dignity of our immigrant community members.