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

I am writing to express deep concern over the recent detentions and potential deportations of several college students and researchers—including Mahmoud Khalil, Yunseo Chung, Momodou Taal, and Dr. Badar Khan Suri—due to their participation in pro-Palestinian activism. These actions raise significant questions about the infringement of First Amendment rights and set a troubling precedent for freedom of speech in our nation. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right to free speech, a cornerstone of our democratic values. The detention of individuals for expressing political views, regardless of their content, undermines this fundamental right and echoes tactics employed by authoritarian regimes. The use of immigration laws to suppress political dissent is deeply troubling. The arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a lawful permanent resident and recent graduate of Columbia University, under a rarely invoked provision of the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act, has been criticized as an abuse of power. Similarly, the detention of Dr. Badar Khan Suri, an Indian national and postdoctoral researcher at Georgetown University, raises serious concerns. Dr. Suri was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on allegations of spreading Hamas propaganda and promoting antisemitism via social media. His lawyer contends that the detention is biased due to his wife’s Palestinian heritage. Georgetown University, which endorses his research in peacebuilding, stated it was unaware of any illegal activities associated with Dr. Suri. This arrest is part of a broader administration crackdown on anti-Israel activities among students. The potential deportation of these individuals not only violates their constitutional rights but also creates a chilling effect on free expression across college campuses nationwide. It is imperative that our institutions remain bastions of open dialogue and debate, where individuals can express diverse viewpoints without fear of retribution. I urge you to initiate a thorough investigation into these detentions and the legal justifications provided. It is essential to ensure that our government’s actions align with constitutional principles and that individuals are not penalized for exercising their right to free speech. The slippery slope of suppressing dissent through such means poses a significant threat to the democratic values we hold dear. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.