1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

The arrest and detention of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil by ICE is a gross violation of his constitutional rights, including freedom of speech. As a green card holder legally residing in the United States, he should not face deportation merely for voicing criticism of the Israeli government's policies or supporting Palestinian rights. Stripping his residency over protected political speech sets a dangerous precedent that threatens to chill dissent and peaceful protest. This appears to be direct retaliation for Khalil's activism, with the Trump administration making unsubstantiated claims about his involvement in distributing pro-Hamas propaganda. No evidence has been provided to justify revoking his green card status on national security grounds. His continued detention in Louisiana, far from his home and legal counsel in New York, further compounds this injustice. I urge you to speak out against this unjust targeting of Khalil and uphold the fundamental American values of free speech and due process. His arrest undermines civil liberties and sends a chilling message about cracking down on political dissent. Khalil must be immediately released from ICE custody and his green card reinstated to prevent this disturbing precedent from taking hold. Deportation proceedings should be halted until his legal case has been fully adjudicated through proper channels. I demand that you exercise all options within your scope of capabilities to work towards freeing Khalil. Do not allow this administration to make an example out of him, and do not let this set a dangerous precedent for our protected freedoms of speech and right to assemble in protest of our government.