Trending
For decades, Americans watched authoritarian governments abroad crack down on peaceful protests, and we told ourselves that it could not happen here. We saw our country as a beacon of democracy, protected by our rights to free speech and assembly. But we now see such crackdowns on American soil – backed by a presidential directive.
Several months ago we were warned about the dangers of the National Security Presidential Memorandum-7 (NSPM-7) titled "Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence." This order gives federal agencies broad sweeping powers to track money, monitor groups, and investigate and prosecute individual citizens.
NSPM-7 orders investigation of organizations, groups, and individuals espousing what it calls "indicators of violence" including: anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, anti-Christianity; support for the overthrow of the United States Government; extremism on migration, race, and gender; or hostility towards those who hold traditional American views on family, religion, and morality.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has wasted no time in using this directive to prosecute individuals with extreme results, doubtless intended to serve as a warning to the rest of us.
On July 4, 2025, protesters at the Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Prairieland, TX, set off fireworks and vandalized government vehicles and a guard building. Seventeen individuals were arrested for participating in the protest, some who were simply in possession of anarchist materials or had participated in Signal or Discord chats.
On October 16, the DOJ unsealed indictments alleging that these individuals were part of "antifa" (a nonexistent organization) and guilty of "providing support to terrorists." Following June trials, fifteen of these Texas protesters were sentenced to a combined 556 years in federal prison, seven sentenced to 30 to 70 years each.
The potential effect is terrifying. Free speech and free assembly without fear are cornerstones of American democracy. Imagine attending a peaceful protest opposed by the current administration (No Kings or PRIDE week) and being arrested by masked ICE officers for carrying an unfavorable flag or sign. Under NSPM-7, this completely legal action could be interpreted as "anti-American", put you under investigation, and result in serious penalties. Even if you are not prosecuted, the monetary and reputational costs would be devastating.
No American should simply assume that "it can't happen here." NSPM-7 gives federal authorities sweeping power to prosecute people engaged in political protest, even when their actions are peaceful and legal. It is happening here, now.
DAVID B. KYLE
New Columbia
Submitted by email