MAHMOUD KHALIL MUST BE RELEASED IMMEDIATELY

Mahmoud Khalil's detention and attempted deportation by ICE for lawfully protesting is a blatant violation of free speech rights enshrined in the First Amendment. As a lawful permanent resident married to a U.S. citizen, he has the constitutional right to voice dissent without fear of retaliation or expulsion from the country. The Trump administration's move to deport Khalil over his peaceful campus protests against Israel's policies sets a dangerous precedent that threatens to chill free expression on issues of public concern. Attempts to silence dissenting voices undermine core democratic values. This disturbing action appears to be part of a broader crackdown by the administration on immigrant communities and universities deemed too liberal. Weaponizing the nation's immigration laws to punish peaceful protesters for their political views is a severe overreach of executive authority. Khalil's release from detention must be immediate to uphold constitutional protections and prevent further erosion of civil liberties. Dissent is patriotic, not grounds for deportation. Stifling free speech on campus compromises academic freedom and open discourse vital to a functioning democracy.