Standing Up to Attacks on Free Speech

On March 8, 2025, Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in New York. He was told his green card was being revoked because of his role in Columbia University student protests last year opposing Israel’s genocide in Gaza. He has since been moved to an ICE jail in Louisiana with little access to legal counsel or to his family, including his pregnant wife. 

Mahmoud has broken no laws. He is a legal, permanent resident of the US. He was exercising his first amendment right to peacefully protest the crimes against humanity being endured by his people. And this should be deeply concerning to us ALL.

Whether you are outspoken on Palestine or not, there are likely other issues you feel strongly about, whether it’s the attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, the gutting of federal agencies, an unelected oligarch making major decisions about our government, the slashing of DEI and environmental programs, etc. If we allow anyone to be illegally silenced in this way with no opposition, the government will have no incentive to stop at Palestinian activists and will extend their oppression to anyone who speaks up against the government.

What Can You Do?

• Email and call your representatives and let them know this is unacceptable

• Join local protests

• Sign petitions like this one from the ACLU

• Donate to Mahmoud’s legal fund

• Educate your family and friends and encourage them to do all of the above