1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

ICE's arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and legal permanent resident, over his role in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University raises serious concerns about potential retaliation against free speech activities. Deporting a green card holder without criminal charges is an extraordinary overreach that undermines constitutional protections. I urge the Department of Homeland Security to immediately release Khalil, return his green card, and allow him to continue his studies and activism without fear of retaliatory action from the government. Targeting activists for deportation based on their political views is a dangerous precedent that threatens core American values of free expression. The proper response to objectionable speech is more speech, not silencing through imprisonment or deportation. I implore you to rectify this injustice and reaffirm America's commitment to protecting civil liberties.