Macon federal judge welcomes new U.S. citizens, speaks on ‘basic rights’
A Macon federal judge welcomed 17 new U.S. citizens on Wednesday, reminding them of “certain rights ... so fundamental that they cannot be infringed upon.”
The petitioners represented 11 countries — Mexico, Peru, Honduras, China, Philippines, Nepal, India, South Korea, Thailand and France. Amidst the celebration, Judge Tilman Self III welcomed the petitioners into the U.S. and reminded them of their rights as American citizens.
He also acknowledged the political divide regarding immigration, but emphasized that people in the U.S. have the right to disagree. At the end of the day, Self said “all of us are created equal” with “basic rights that cannot be disturbed without due process of law.”
Petitioners heard from former Georgia State Sen. John F. Kennedy, who acknowledged the “effort, sacrifice and hope” they endured to gain American citizenship. Especially because they had the patience and the discipline to do it “the right way.”
“You come from different countries, different cultures, a different life experience,” Kennedy said. “Some of you have traveled great distances. Others may have overcome significant obstacles along the way to get here today. But despite those differences, you are united by something very powerful.”
Kennedy encouraged them to use their newfound citizenship to do “small, everyday acts that strengthen communities and bring people together.”
“Your contributions matter, I promise you that,” he said.
‘We believe in a fair fight.’
Before the ceremony adjourned, Self spoke about how immigration is handled in the U.S. Though he didn’t mention Immigration and Customs Enforcement by name, he spoke of the nationwide controversies surrounding the federal organization.
“We believe in a fair fight, which includes being aware of our legal rights,” Self said. “We can’t be picked up … by the government on a whim. There must be probable cause if we violate the law. Our homes, our vehicles can’t be searched simply because the government has a hunch.
“They have to get a warrant or have special … circumstances to invade our private spaces,” Self said.
Since President Donald Trump enacted a nationwide crackdown on immigration, ICE agents have detained immigrants and U.S. citizens alike, according to multiple news reports.
Protests in Minnesota led to the deaths of Americans Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were allegedly shot by ICE agents.
In Georgia, ICE is seeking to open a detention center in Social Circle, whose town leaders have pushed back due to inadequate infrastructure to house detainees, news reports say. Most recently, Social Circle leaders have blocked water service to the potential detention site to get their questions answered by the DHS, according to news reports.
“We are a welcoming country. We are good people. How would a nation largely descended (from) immigrants not (be)?” Self said.
This story was originally published April 9, 2026 at 5:30 AM.
