Federal agents are supposed to enforce the law, not punish the people who challenge those in power. When ICE, the Justice Department, or Homeland Security Investigations are turned against political rivals, members of Congress, or critics, the rule of law becomes a weapon. Americans are alarmed by reports of searches and prosecutions aimed at the president's perceived enemies. If a government can search the home of an elected official it dislikes, no one's home is safe. No one's speech is safe either. The Constitution guards against exactly this, but courts can only do so much after the fact. Congress writes the rules that decide whether federal power can be aimed at opponents, and it can build real penalties and oversight into law. Candidates should say whether they will protect dissent or tolerate its punishment. Outlaw the use of federal law enforcement to target political opponents and critics of the government.
