NDLON’s statement on the Detention of Mahmoud Khalil

The Trump administration’s arrest and detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student and Palestinian rights activist with a green card, is an attack on our fundamental rights and a dangerous overreach by the government. 

This blatant targeting of a student for their political beliefs is not only unconstitutional, it reflects an alarming shift toward authoritarianism and white supremacy climate that we are living in. We demand Mahmoud’s immediate release and call on Columbia University and all educational institutions to defend their students from the reach of this oppressive regime. 

ICE has spiraled out of control, and today presents a critical moment for elected officials to take decisive action. It’s essential to safeguard students’ right to free speech and ensure that universities continue to serve as safe spaces for political dissent.

The attack on student activists is part of a broader effort to criminalize political expression and instill fear in immigrant communities. This detention is designed to spread terror throughout immigrant communities and social justice movements on college campuses. 

They took away Mahmoud Khalil. They locked him up indefinitely without charges. Not for any crime. Not for any violence. Mahmoud led peaceful protests to condemn the Israeli genocide against the people of Gaza. And this fascist, racist Trump Administration took him away.

As Jorge Torres, Director of Organizing at NDLON, states:

“This is an assault on the rights of immigrants and organizers alike. It’s a clear message that the Trump administration will stop at nothing to silence those who fight for justice. We stand with Mahmoud and all those who speak out for human rights. We have a clear message for the administration. We will not stop protecting and defending our communities. We were not scared, we will not be scared and we are not scared.”

“We will not stand by while this government continues its racist agenda and undermines civil liberties. Our communities will resist, and we will fight to protect the rights of every individual in this country.

“Today, we immigrants and organizers stand with Mahmoud and demand his immediate release. We defend freedom over fascism. Justice over violence and murder. Down with racism and brutality. Viva Mahmoud!” 

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