A letter to the editor by Duane Dumont of Leeds raises some real concerns (“I blame the Democrats and the media for ICE killing,” July 24) , but pointing fingers at the media or local officials skips over something pretty basic: law enforcement still has to follow its own rules.

Agencies like ICE and local police have strict guidelines for pursuits and use of force. Asking whether those were followed in a dangerous situation isn’t “disrespecting authority.” It’s just making sure everyone stays safe. Respect doesn’t disappear when we ask questions.

And we should stick to what’s actually true about national policy. Saying Vice President Harris “let millions” through the border doesn’t line up with how the system works. Her role was focused on diplomacy and the root causes of migration in Central America. Border operations fall under the Department of Homeland Security, and it continued enforcing federal law throughout that period.

Same thing with the fencing vote back in 2006. Supporting targeted fencing isn’t the same as backing a 2,000‑mile wall. Security experts have said for years that technology and focused enforcement do a better job than a giant physical barrier.

Our Founders built checks and balances for a reason. They didn’t want any part of government — law enforcement included — to operate without oversight. Following the law isn’t just something the public has to do. It’s something the people enforcing it have to do too.

Donald Cailler
Gardiner