1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

I am writing to demand the immediate release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student and permanent resident/green card holder detained by ICE for his political activism. 
 This is an unconstitutional attack on free speech. The First Amendment protects all individuals, including non-citizens, from being punished for expressing their views. The Supreme Court has ruled that peaceful activism is not a crime. If we protected the speech of the Westboro Baptist Church, how can we justify jailing students for speaking out?
 This detention echoes McCarthyism, where people were persecuted for their beliefs. America must not repeat its past mistakes. Targeting activists for dissent is illegal and un-American.
 On what legal grounds is Mr. Khalil being held? If there are no formal charges, he must be released immediately. Thank you.