The Abduction of Mahmoud Khalil Is a Direct Attack on American Freedoms

The Trump administration has crossed a dangerous line. On Saturday night, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents abducted Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student activist and recent Columbia University graduate, from his home. They raided his home, tore him away from his family, and denied his 8-month pregnant wife the chance to see him. He is a lawful permanent resident, yet he has been illegally thrown into and is being held in ICE detention.

This is not just an attack on Mahmoud—it’s an attack on the basic freedoms that this country claims to cherish. The Trump administration does NOT have the legal authority to revoke his green card. This is illegal, blatant political persecution. And it is proof that when it comes to Israel, both Republican and Democratic administrations have no regard for the values they pretend to champion.

The extent to which this administration is willing to trample on people’s basic rights is scary and should be a worrying sign for all Americans. The detention and possible deportation of a legal permanent resident who has no criminal record is a precedent that can set in motion the brutal targeting of political dissidents in the United States.

Columbia University has been no friend of Palestinians. Since students began protesting, the university has suspended, expelled, and physically beaten students. They’ve forced professors to retire and ended contracts with others. Despite Columbia’s knee-bending to Zionist pressure, the Trump administration still decided to cut more than $400 million in funding through federal grants claiming that the university has failed to counter antisemitism on campus.

It is now actively collaborating with the U.S. government to go after its students. Shame does not even begin to describe how treacherous the actions of the university are.

The message that this administration is sending is clear: Speak out for Palestine, and the U.S. government will come for you. Sign this petition demanding Mahmoud's release ASAP, and share it with everyone you know.

We will not be silenced, and we demand the immediate release of Mahmoud Khalil so that he can return to his young family.