1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The arbitrary detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident and student at Columbia University, is a blatant violation of his constitutional rights. As a prominent voice for Palestinian human rights, his advocacy for justice cannot be criminalized or conflated with supporting terrorist groups. Arresting him without due process, denying him access to legal counsel, and threatening his pregnant wife are absolutely unacceptable actions from the government. Khalil must be immediately released from unlawful detention and his free speech rights upheld. The crackdown on peaceful protesters advocating for human rights sets a dangerous precedent that undermines core American values. I urge you to use your authority to secure Khalil's release and protect the civil liberties that are cornerstones of our democracy.