1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

Government overreach and the suppression of free speech and activism threaten the foundations of our democracy. The arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist at Columbia University, appears to be a retaliatory action against someone for expressing political views the administration disagrees with. As a legal permanent resident, his detention without criminal charges is an extraordinary move of dubious legality that disregards due process. Khalil's role in pro-Palestinian protests should be protected under the First Amendment, not criminalized. By revoking his immigration status over his activism, the government is setting a dangerous precedent that could chill free speech on campuses nationwide. Our institutions of higher learning must remain open for vigorous debate from all perspectives. I urge you to call for Khalil's immediate release and to safeguard the constitutional rights of student activists, regardless of their political views. Stifling dissent on campuses is antithetical to American values of free expression and open discourse. Our democracy depends on upholding these core principles.