February 2026

Letter from the Chair

The Collier County Democratic Party is proud to announce the grand opening of our new headquarters at 5010 9th Street N, Naples, FL 34103 on Wednesday, February 4 from 5:30–8:00 PM.

This space will be more than an office — it will serve as a place to build community, organize, and engage in the democratic process. In a moment marked by intense national debate about civil rights and federal enforcement actions, it’s vital that citizens have a visible, welcoming hub that fosters connection, empowerment, and peaceful civic action.

Across the country, there have been deeply troubling incidents involving federal immigration agents that have sparked protests and calls for accountability. Recent deaths of U.S. citizens during confrontations with federal immigration officers in Minneapolis have drawn national attention and condemnation from local leaders and communities alike. These events, which have included the use of force amid demonstrations, have intensified fears about civil liberties and the protection of constitutional rights.

If you’ve been afraid to speak out before, now is not the time to remain silent. Our new headquarters provides a space where neighbors can gather, learn, and act together. From volunteer training to community discussions and voter engagement efforts, this is a place to build strength and resistance rooted in democratic values.

We invite the community to join us on February 4 to be part of a space where hope, ideas, and action come together for the benefit of all.

Rights, Accountability, and What Is Happening in Our Country

Across the United States, many Americans are increasingly worried about their safety, their liberties, and how federal law enforcement operates. Recent events involving federal agents have raised serious questions about the use of force and the need for accountability.

In Minneapolis, two U.S. citizens were fatally shot by federal immigration officers in separate incidents earlier this year. Renée Good, a 37‑year‑old mother of three, was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent during an enforcement operation. Her family and community have urged transparency about why lethal force was used.

Shortly afterward, Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse and Minnesota resident, was also killed by federal agents during an encounter that sparked widespread public outrage and debate.

In Los Angeles, Keith Porter Jr., a 43‑year‑old father of two, was shot and killed by an off‑duty ICE agent on New Year’s Eve. His family and neighbors continue seeking clear answers about the circumstances of his death.

These incidents have heightened national concern. Many families are worried about growing use of force, and everyday Americans — regardless of political belief — are asking whether constitutional rights are being protected consistently and fairly.

At the same time, citizens are receiving conflicting messages about their rights. For years, gun ownership and individual liberties have been core elements of American political discourse. Yet now, people are unsure whether exercising basic rights — such as carrying a lawful firearm — could expose them to deadly consequences in some contexts. This inconsistency leaves law‑abiding citizens uncertain about where their rights begin and end.

For many Black and Brown Americans, these events echo long‑standing concerns about unequal treatment under the law. While experiences differ across communities, most Americans agree on one principle: constitutional rights and equal protection must apply to everyone, regardless of race, background, or political belief.

This is not about left versus right, or being pro‑gun or anti‑gun. It is about clear laws, fair enforcement, due process, and accountability.

All Americans, including Floridians,  deserve a government that protects rights consistently, enforces the law fairly, and treats every life with dignity and justice.

Derechos, Rendición de Cuentas y lo que Está Sucediendo en Nuestro País

En todo Estados Unidos, muchos estadounidenses están cada vez más preocupados por su seguridad, sus libertades y el funcionamiento de las fuerzas del orden federales. Los recientes acontecimientos que involucran a agentes federales han planteado serias dudas sobre el uso de la fuerza y la necesidad de rendición de cuentas.

En Minneapolis, dos ciudadanos estadounidenses murieron a tiros a manos de agentes federales de inmigración en incidentes separados a principios de este año. Renée Good, una madre de tres hijos de 37 años, fue asesinada a tiros por un agente del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE) durante una operación policial. Su familia y su comunidad han exigido transparencia sobre los motivos del uso de fuerza letal.

Poco después, Alex Pretti, enfermero de la unidad de cuidados intensivos y residente de Minnesota, también murió a manos de agentes federales durante un incidente que provocó una gran indignación y debate público.

En Los Ángeles, Keith Porter Jr., un padre de dos hijos de 43 años, fue asesinado a tiros por un agente de ICE fuera de servicio en la víspera de Año Nuevo. Su familia y vecinos siguen buscando respuestas claras sobre las circunstancias de su muerte.

Estos incidentes han intensificado la preocupación a nivel nacional. Muchas familias están preocupadas por el creciente uso de la fuerza, y los ciudadanos estadounidenses, independientemente de sus creencias políticas, se preguntan si los derechos constitucionales se están protegiendo de manera coherente y justa.

Al mismo tiempo, los ciudadanos reciben mensajes contradictorios sobre sus derechos. Durante años, la posesión de armas y las libertades individuales han sido elementos centrales del discurso político estadounidense. Sin embargo, ahora la gente no está segura de si ejercer derechos básicos, como portar un arma de fuego legalmente, podría exponerlos a consecuencias fatales en algunos contextos. Esta inconsistencia genera incertidumbre entre los ciudadanos respetuosos de la ley sobre los límites de sus derechos.

Para muchos estadounidenses negros y latinos, estos acontecimientos reflejan preocupaciones de largo tiempo sobre el trato desigual ante la ley. Si bien las experiencias varían entre comunidades, la mayoría de los estadounidenses coinciden en un principio fundamental: los derechos constitucionales y la igualdad de protección deben aplicarse a todos, independientemente de su raza, origen o ideología política.

Esto no se trata de izquierda contra derecha, ni de estar a favor o en contra de las armas. Se trata de leyes claras, aplicación justa de la ley, debido proceso y rendición de cuentas.

Todos los estadounidenses, incluidos los floridanos, merecen un gobierno que proteja los derechos de manera consistente, aplique la ley con imparcialidad y trate a cada persona con dignidad y justicia.

If you know of other local government meetings and events we should list here, please email Sandy Ussia at sandy.ussia303@gmail.com

Your Voice. Your Future. Your Power

Now more than ever, young people are changing the world—and Florida Young Democrats is where that momentum begins.

We’re building a movement of bold, diverse leaders ready to make real change. By joining Florida Young Democrats, you’re not just standing up for your future—you’re stepping into your power. Together, we amplify youth voices in the political process, fight for legislation that benefits our generation, and elect Young Democrats who reflect our values and our vision.

Whether you’re passionate about justice, climate, education, housing, or voting rights—this is your place to turn that passion into action.

Join the Collier County Chapter of the Florida Young Democrats.

Be heard. Be seen. Be the difference.

Be heard. Be seen. Be the difference.

$20.26 per month now helps us reach more voters for the 2026 elections!

The Collier County Democratic Executive Committee (CCDEC) is the official, local county arm of the Florida Democratic Party. The CCDEC has oversight over all Democratic Party activities within Collier County. LEARN MORE

The Collier County Democratic Party is an all-volunteer, entirely donor-funded organization. Our local party can not exist without volunteers and donors like you.

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Collier County Democratic Party

Florida Democratic Party

Partido Demócrata de Florida