Free Mahmoud Khalil
Most recent signers:
Background:
The Trump administration illegally arrested and detained Mahmoud Khalil, a lawful permanent resident and recent graduate of Columbia University, in direct retaliation for his advocacy in support of Palestinian rights. ICE then quickly moved him from New York to a detention facility in Louisiana without any notice to his pregnant wife or legal team. Since Mr. Khalil's arrest, the administration has affirmed its policy of revoking people's green cards and visas based on their political beliefs and advocacy.
To be clear: The First Amendment does not allow the government to retaliate against anyone for their speech. Ripping someone from their home, stripping them of their immigration status, and detaining them solely based on political viewpoint is a clear attempt by President Trump to silence dissent. And that's patently unconstitutional. Political speech – however controversial some may find it – may never be the basis for punishment, including deportation.
We will not let this egregious, unprecedented, and illegal abuse of power go unchecked. Send a message to ICE: Free Mahmoud Khalil now.
Note: If you are not a citizen, please do not provide your real name in the "First Name" and "Last Name" fields for your security."
The recipient:
Todd Lyons, Acting Director of ICE
Review Message
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Subject:
Body:
The Trump administration's detention of Mahmoud Khalil - a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. - for criticizing foreign and U.S. government policies and participating in protest is an extreme and unprecedented attack on the First Amendment.
To be clear: The First Amendment does not allow the government to retaliate against anyone for their speech. The U.S. government must immediately release Mr. Khalil and reverse course on this discriminatory, un-American policy.
Detaining Mahmoud Khalil and threatening his immigration status for speech that is protected by our Constitution is illegal and un-American. I'm calling on ICE to immediately release Mr. Khalil from custody.
Sincerely,
[First Name] [Last Name]