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

The arrest and potential deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and permanent resident, for his role in campus protests is an alarming overreach that threatens free speech. As a legal permanent resident, Khalil should be afforded full constitutional protections, including the rights to peaceful protest and freedom of expression. Detaining him without criminal charges sets a dangerous precedent of retaliation against activists voicing dissent. This appears to be the latest escalation in the administration's efforts to muzzle pro-Palestinian speech on college campuses through funding threats and disciplinary actions against students. Such actions undermine core democratic values and chill important political discourse. I urge a full review of the circumstances surrounding Khalil's arrest and detention, as well as a reaffirmation of the federal government's commitment to upholding civil liberties for all residents, regardless of their political views.