The U.S. Government Is Targeting Palestinian Activists—Mahmoud Must Be Released NOW Dear Email, On Saturday, March 8, DHS agents stormed the New York home of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student activist and U.S. permanent resident, and abducted him in front of his family. His 8-month pregnant wife, a U.S. citizen, was denied the chance to see him, and ICE has refused to disclose his whereabouts. Mahmoud has already been moved out of New York and could face imminent deportation.  Mahmoud was targeted for his activism and calling for an end to Israel’s genocide in Gaza. He has no criminal record, yet he is being illegally detained in an ICE facility in a blatant act of political repression. This is not just an attack on Mahmoud—it’s a crackdown on free speech, due process, and the right to dissent, and it won’t stop at this one individual. Secretary of State Marco Rubio openly confirmed that the U.S. government is revoking legal residency status and deporting individuals for their political views—a direct violation of the First Amendment and an alarming escalation of political repression. The Trump administration does not have the legal authority to revoke his green card, but that hasn’t stopped them from disappearing a Palestinian activist to silence the growing movement for Palestinian liberation. This is the same administration that slashed over $400 million in funding to Columbia University, claiming the school hasn’t done enough to fight antisemitism—when in reality, this is about punishing those who refuse to be silent on Palestine. Columbia has expelled, suspended, and even physically assaulted students for protesting genocide, yet even their bowing to Zionist pressure wasn’t enough to protect them from Trump’s crackdown. Now, the university is actively collaborating with the U.S. government to target its own students. This is state-sponsored political persecution. These are the actions of a fascist government, and we need to generate overwhelming public outrage and pressure to ensure Mahmoud's release immediately. The U.S. government is setting a dangerous precedent—anyone who challenges its unconditional support for Israel will be targeted, detained, and disappeared. Take action now and demand the immediate release of Mahmoud Khalil so that he can return to his young family: - Contact the DHS Secretary, the State Department, and your elected officials.
- Sign this petition.
In solidarity,
Americans for Justice in Palestine Action |
