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

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the potential misuse of the Alien Enemies Act and other immigration enforcement measures to target non-citizens, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and activists like Mahmoud Khalil. Recent events, including the detention of Mr. Khalil, a lawful permanent resident and student activist, highlight the alarming potential for these laws to be weaponized against individuals based on their activism, identity, or national origin. As you may know, Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian-Syrian national and Algerian citizen, was arrested by ICE agents on March 8, 2025, despite being a lawful permanent resident in possession of a green card. This detention, reportedly tied to his involvement in pro-Palestinian activism at Columbia University, raises serious concerns about the erosion of First Amendment rights and the targeting of individuals for their political beliefs. If the Alien Enemies Act is invoked under the current administration, I fear that such actions could escalate, disproportionately impacting immigrants, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and activists who are already vulnerable to discrimination and persecution. Non-citizens, including refugees, asylum seekers, and lawful permanent residents, deserve protection from arbitrary detention and deportation. Similarly, LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly those from nations with hostile policies toward their identities, could face heightened risks if they are perceived as threats under this act. The case of Mahmoud Khalil underscores the urgent need for legislative action to prevent the misuse of immigration enforcement powers to suppress dissent or target marginalized communities. I urge you to take immediate steps to: 1. Investigate the detention of Mahmoud Khalil and ensure that no individual is targeted for their activism or political beliefs. 2. Implement legislative safeguards to prevent the misuse of the Alien Enemies Act and other immigration enforcement measures. 3. Protect the rights of non-citizens and LGBTQIA+ individuals by ensuring that immigration policies are applied fairly and without discrimination. 4. Uphold the First Amendment by defending the right to free speech and peaceful protest for all individuals, regardless of citizenship status. The United States must remain a beacon of freedom and justice, where individuals are not punished for their identities or beliefs. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter, and I look forward to your response.