1. United States
2. Mass.
3. Letter

On the evening of March 8, 2025, Columbia University student activist Mahmoud Khalil was detained by the Department of Homeland Security. The arrest comes on the heels of the Department of State’s announcement that it plans to deport students affiliated with pro-Palestine protests. The student, who is Palestinian, is a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. Columbia University, which recently published a new protocol on its plans to cooperate with ICE, has targeted Khalil for his Palestinian identity and outspoken activism on multiple occasions over the last 17 months. He served as a lead negotiator during the Gaza Solidarity Encampment last spring and has frequently appeared in media interviews and press conferences. Columbia’s continued acquiescence to federal agencies and outside partisan institutions has made this situation possible. Like many other Arab and Muslim students, Khalil has been the target of various zionist harassment campaigns, fueled by doxxing websites like Canary Mission. This racist targeting serves to instill fear in pro-Palestine activists as well as a warning to others. This is a very clear step into authoritarianism territory and a clear violation of Mr. .Khalil's First Amendment rights. It's dangerous for every single one of us, citizen, immigrant, or anyone in American soil -- an indication that we cannot rely on our country to uphold the rights guaranteed under our constitution! Let this administration know we will not allow them to ignore our human and civil rights. Free Mahmoud Khalil!