“We the People” — But Who Gets to Belong?

When the U.S. Constitution begins with the words “We the People,” it makes a powerful promise. It tells the world that this nation was formed by individuals seeking justice, liberty, and a better future—not just for themselves, but for those who would come after them. But the truth is, we’re still struggling to define who really gets counted among “the people.”

As an immigration attorney based in Texas, I’ve spent years representing individuals and families who pay taxes, raise children, and contribute meaningfully to their communities—but who are treated like outsiders under our immigration enforcement system. More and more, I’m left asking: do our institutions still honor the values that the Constitution promised?

We the people... The bottom half people shouting and the other half in handcuffs.

Constitutional Rights Aren’t Just for Citizens

Here’s what the law actually says: both the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments guarantee due process and equal protection—not to “citizens,” but to “persons.” And that’s an important distinction. Courts have repeatedly ruled that noncitizens, even undocumented immigrants, are protected by these constitutional guarantees.

So, why does it feel like that isn’t the case?

Because when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducts raids without proper warrants, holds individuals in prolonged detention without hearings, and separates families at the border, those actions violate both the letter and spirit of the Constitution. These aren’t isolated events—they reflect a broader pattern of government agencies operating as if some people deserve fewer rights than others.

We’re Seeing the Erosion of “We the People” in Real Time

Take a look at what's happening across the country—and right here in Texas. People are being detained after routine traffic stops. Families are torn apart during early morning raids. Noncitizens with no criminal record are being deported based on minor infractions from years ago. Even green card holders—legal permanent residents—have been swept up in this aggressive enforcement strategy.

It’s hard to reconcile these actions with the foundational belief that the United States is a nation of laws and justice.

Worse still, many of the people targeted have lived in the U.S. for decades. They’ve built lives here, paid taxes, raised families, and contributed to their communities in ways that can’t be measured on paper. But to ICE, that often doesn’t matter. Instead of being treated like “people” under the law, they’re treated like problems to be removed.

Why This Matters to All of Us

This isn’t just a legal issue. It’s a moral one. When we allow any branch of government to trample on the rights of one group, we weaken the rights of everyone. Constitutional protections don’t work like a VIP club—they’re meant to apply universally. If we chip away at those protections in immigration cases, it becomes easier to do the same in other areas.

And it’s not just immigrants who are affected. U.S. citizens—especially those in mixed-status families—feel the fear too. Kids come home from school to find their parents gone. Husbands and wives are separated with no clear path back to one another. The trauma caused by aggressive immigration enforcement doesn’t just harm individuals—it fractures communities.

So, What Can Be Done?

This is where we need to raise our voices. As a lawyer, I’m committed to using every legal tool available to defend my clients. But it takes more than courtrooms to protect people—it takes awareness, advocacy, and public pressure.

We have to demand that our institutions live up to their promises. That “We the People” means all the people. That due process applies whether you were born in Dallas or arrived here from Caracas. And that a nation that prides itself on justice cannot afford to turn a blind eye to injustice.

If you or someone you know is facing an immigration issue—especially in the face of harsh or unlawful enforcement—know that you are not alone. Our office stands ready to defend your rights and fight for your future.

And if you’re reading this because you care—stay informed. Speak up. Share this message. Because what’s at stake isn’t just immigration policy—it’s the integrity of our Constitution.

Need guidance? Contact us today for a confidential consultation. Together, we’ll ensure your rights are protected—because when we say “We the People,” we mean it.