1. United States
2. Wisc.
3. Letter

The arrest and attempted deportation of Palestinian student Mahmoud Khalil from Columbia University is an alarming violation of free speech protections. As a legal permanent resident, Mr. Khalil has the right to voice his views and participate in peaceful protests without fear of retaliation or expulsion from the country. The government's actions send a chilling message that dissenting opinions will not be tolerated, undermining fundamental democratic principles. Khalil has not been accused of any crimes, yet he was swiftly arrested by immigration agents and transferred to a distant detention facility, restricting his access to legal counsel. This appears to be part of a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism on college campuses under the guise of combating antisemitism. However, criticism of Israeli government policies does not equate to hate speech against Jewish people. Conflating the two only serves to stifle legitimate political discourse. I urge you to demand Khalil's immediate release and a full investigation into this overreach by federal authorities. Allowing his deportation to proceed would set a dangerous precedent, enabling the suppression of free expression by labeling it "contrary to national interests." We cannot allow such an erosion of civil liberties to take root. Protecting robust public debate from government interference is essential for safeguarding American democracy.