On Saturday, March 8, 2025, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents detained Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian American permanent resident and Columbia University graduate student, without demonstrating a warrant. Khalil, whose wife, an American citizen, is eight months pregnant, was returning from an iftar meal during Ramadan when plainclothes agents forced their way into his residential building and took him into custody. Despite being a lawful permanent resident, DHS claims they are revoking his “visa” as part of the administration’s broader initiative targeting so-called “Hamas sympathizers.”
Trump has now taken to Truth Social promising “many” more arrests of students “across the country” who protested against Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza.
Khalil’s detention and Trump’s deranged threats represent a direct assault on First Amendment rights and sets a dangerous precedent in the systematic silencing of Palestinian voices and pro-Palestine activism. Following a coordinated two-day online campaign where pro-Israel groups and individuals demanded his deportation, federal agents have effectively criminalized protected political speech. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin confirmed Khalil was arrested “for activities aligned to Hamas,” without providing evidence or specifics, illustrating how national security claims are being weaponized to suppress dissent.
The targeting of Khalil—who served as a lead negotiator during Gaza solidarity protests—is part of an escalating and disturbing pattern of authoritarianism that threatens core democratic principles.
We demand:
- The immediate and unconditional release of Mahmoud Khalil from DHS custody
- Confirmation of Khalil’s location and immediate access to legal representation
- A halt to the unconstitutional targeting of pro-Palestine activists and Palestinian voices
When government agencies can detain lawful residents for their political advocacy, we witness the effective nullification of First Amendment protections, particularly for those already marginalized. This selective enforcement creates a dangerous environment where Arab, Muslim, and Palestinian voices face disproportionate scrutiny and punishment for engaging in the same political discourse afforded to others.
We must stand together against the criminalization of solidarity with Palestinians and the broader erosion of constitutional rights that threatens the foundation of democratic society.
Add your signature to demand the immediate release of Mahmoud Khalil and to defend the right to speak out against injustice. If you are not a citizen, we advise you not provide your real name in the “First Name” and “Last Name” fields for your security.