1. United States
2. Ore.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my profound concern regarding the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a green-card holder and student at Columbia University, and the reported intimidation of his U.S. citizen wife. These actions appear to be in direct response to their participation in political protests, activities that are explicitly protected under the First Amendment. The detention of individuals for engaging in constitutionally protected political expression represents a dangerous breach of our most fundamental democratic principles. When law enforcement agencies target residents based on their political speech, we begin traveling down a path that undermines the very foundation of our democracy. Such tactics are hallmarks of authoritarian regimes, not of a nation built on principles of free expression and democratic participation. I urge you, in the strongest possible terms, to: Demand immediate transparency regarding the circumstances of Mr. Khalil's arrest and any threats made against his wife Call for his immediate release if his detention is solely related to protected political activity Initiate congressional oversight hearings on this and similar incidents. If that is not possible, hold shadow oversight hearings and make everything you can find public through leaks. Be willing to use all legislative tools at your disposal, including government funding negotiations, to ensure accountability If our government can detain green-card holders and intimidate citizens for peaceful political expression without consequence, we risk normalizing practices incompatible with democratic governance. Each instance where such overreach goes unchallenged makes the next transgression more likely and more severe. As your constituent, I expect you to take a firm stand against these troubling actions. It will happen at U of O and OSU if it goes unchallenged. The preservation of our constitutional rights transcends partisan politics – it is the bedrock upon which our system of government rests. I look forward to hearing what specific actions you plan to take in response to this situation.