The Trump administration, buoyed by recent court orders permitting potentially unconstitutional actions to continue as appeals are decided, appears determined to push the boundaries of our constitution to its breaking point and potentially beyond repair. Aggressive Department of Justice investigations also are posing grave threats to the foundations of our republic.

I have observed examples of these encroachments up close in immigration court. I’ve heard from scores of constituents. And like many of us, I have watched these actions play out across the country.

History demands that we not stand idly by and watch. We must act. Our constitution provides the tools to do so. By enacting the New York Civil Rights Act, we can demonstrate our commitment to using them.