Mar 10, 2025
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) strongly condemns ICE’s arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent Palestinian activist and legal U.S. permanent resident, in an extreme and blatant act of political retaliation for his First Amendment-protected advocacy. Khalil led negotiations between school officials and students during last year’s campus encampments protesting Israel’s genocide in Palestine. His arrest comes as the U.S. government cancels visas and President Trump pushes to reinstate a so-called “Muslim travel ban,” signaling a troubling resurgence of discriminatory immigration policies.
ADC unequivocally condemns any action by law enforcement or immigration authorities that infringes upon the First Amendment rights of individuals, particularly when such actions are motivated by political views or peaceful advocacy. In a democracy, no one should have to fear detention or harassment for exercising free expression, regardless of how contentious or critical the viewpoints expressed may be.
Our democracy was founded on freedom of speech – not the suppression of it. It is imperative that our elected officials take a stand against this attack on our freedoms. Click the button below to let your Members of Congress know to put pressure on these government agencies.
Contact your Congressperson NOW to oppose this attack on freedom of speech!
Recent visa cancellations are being carried out under the shadow of renewed efforts to institute travel restrictions disproportionately affecting Muslim-majority countries. Such a shift in policy threatens to reinforce patterns of profiling and discriminatory targeting—particularly against Arabs, Muslims, and Palestinians—on the basis of their national origin, religion, and political activism. The potential reintroduction of any form of “Muslim ban” would further erode trust in our nation’s commitment to equality under the law and would likely embolden additional abuses.
What is happening to Mr. Khalil goes against the First Amendment rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. In a time that demands robust public discourse, any infringement on free speech—especially under the pretense of national security or immigration policy—undermines our democratic values.
ADC calls for the immediate release of Mr. Khalil and anyone detained solely for exercising protected political expression or because of discriminatory visa policies, and urges lawmakers to reject the troubling attack on our rights.
Our democracy relies on citizens to partake in civic engagement. Click the link below and demand your Congressperson stand for the rights of Mr. Khalil and all Americans.
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