1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

The recent actions by immigration officials targeting individuals involved in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University raise serious concerns about freedom of speech and dissent being suppressed. Arresting and deporting students and revoking visas solely for voicing political views sets a dangerous precedent that could infringe on constitutional rights. It is critical that the government respects the right to peaceful protest and allows open discourse on campus, even when viewpoints may be controversial. Targeting specific groups based on their political beliefs undermines American values of free expression. This heavy-handed approach is counterproductive and will likely escalate tensions rather than resolve any underlying issues. A more constructive path forward would be through respectful dialogue that acknowledges the perspectives of all sides in this complex conflict.