Why Defending the US Constitution Is Everyone’s Fight

Written By Gamaliel Zavala Enriquez

Athar Haseebullah, Esq. is the Executive Director of the ACLU of Nevada, Nevada’s largest civil liberties and civil rights organization.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I want to share a hard truth that’s become even more urgent in recent weeks: Protecting the US Constitution is not a Democratic or Republican issue. It’s not a question of left versus right, liberal versus conservative. It is the foundation of everything we hold dear as Americans—our freedom, our safety, and our future. Every Nevadan—regardless of background, party, or personal history—has a stake in this fight.

The Domino Effect of Rights: When One Falls, All Are at Risk

At the ACLU event, I was reminded that the Constitution’s protections are only as strong as our willingness to defend them for the most vulnerable among us. Right now, we see undocumented and Brown communities being targeted by ICE. In just the last week, ICE enforcement actions have resulted in tragic deaths in Maine, Texas, and Florida—a harsh reminder that unchecked overreach can have deadly consequences, not just in Nevada, but across the nation. The tragic cases of Nicole Good and Alex Pretti make it clear: when agencies overstep, it’s not just immigrants who suffer. Once we allow constitutional rights—like the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures—to be trampled for some, we set a precedent that threatens all our rights.

History teaches us that oppression doesn’t stay confined. As the old saying goes: First, they come for the marginalized—the poor, people of color, the undocumented—and if we remain silent, eventually, they come for everyone. White supremacist ideology may claim to protect some, but in the end, it aims to strip rights from all except a select few. That’s why I ran as an independent Democrat: because We, the People must stand together against any force that would chip away at our constitutional freedoms.

The Economic Cost of Intolerance: How Fear Hurts Us All

This isn’t just about ideals—it’s about the practical realities facing our state. When ICE raids and unconstitutional crackdowns create a climate of fear, it’s not only immigrants who lose. Local businesses struggle to find workers. Families are afraid to spend, to invest, to build a future here. According to economic data, Nevada’s economy suffers approximately a 15% drop in growth due to the chilling effect of ICE activities.

If you truly believe in the free market—if you call yourself a Libertarian or a conservative—consider this: Adam Smith, the father of capitalism, would have never supported the kind of restrictions on the free movement of people we see today. Free markets depend on the free flow of capital, goods, services, and people. When we allow fear and racism to dictate policy, we all pay the price at the cash register, in lost jobs, and in missed opportunities.

The Constitutional Safeguard: Our Best Defense Against Authoritarianism

We must remember that the Constitution was written as a shield against tyranny. True patriotism means holding our government accountable—not giving any agency, whether ICE or any other, a blank check to violate our rights. Checks and balances are not obstacles; they are the very engine of American freedom.

The work of organizations like the ACLU of Las Vegas—and its courageous leadership—reminds us that defending the Constitution is the duty of every generation. Their advocacy is not just for the marginalized; it’s for all of us. Every time we “Hold the Line,” we reinforce the foundation that keeps Nevada—and America—free.

The Moral Imperative: Open Borders and Human Dignity

Let’s be clear: This is also a humanitarian struggle. As John Washington argues in his book The Case for Open Borders, true freedom means recognizing the basic rights and dignity of every human being. Borders, when used as weapons of exclusion and fear, violate not only economic good sense but also our moral and ethical responsibilities.

We must reject policies that punish people for seeking safety, dignity, and opportunity. Our community is at its best when we expand the circle of inclusion, not shrink it.

In Closing: Holding the Line, Together

We the People—across party lines, across backgrounds—must defend the Constitution not just for ourselves but for our children, and for generations yet unborn. Even those who think themselves protected by privilege or power should remember: the dominoes fall swiftly when we ignore the rights of the vulnerable. Today, it’s the marginalized; tomorrow, it could be you, your family, your business, your freedom.

That’s why I’ll never stop fighting to uphold the Constitution. That’s why I support the ACLU of Nevada and all organizations that stand for true justice. Together, we can Hold the Line, protect our freedoms, and ensure Nevada remains a beacon of liberty for all.

With resolve,

Gamy Enriquez, MPA


Former Independent Democratic Candidate for Nevada’s Second Congressional District

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References

Gamaliel Zavala Enriquez
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