ACLU Supporter, this past weekend, ICE detained Mahmoud Khalil, a lawful permanent resident and recent graduate of Columbia University, and threatened to revoke his green card and deport him in direct retaliation for his advocacy in support of Palestinian rights. We just joined our New York affiliate and partners in suing for his release – but we need you with us to make sure no one else's rights are violated.

Let's be clear: The First Amendment does not allow the government to retaliate against anyone for their speech. The Trump administration can't use ICE to punish speech the government doesn't like, and we must all speak out loudly Now: Tell ICE: Free Mahmoud Khalil.

Here's what happened:

• First: On Saturday night, ICE detained Mahmoud Khalil in New York City because of his pro-Palestinian advocacy last spring.
• Then: They claimed the State Department had revoked Mr. Khalil's student visa. When they learned that Mr. Khalil is a lawful permanent resident, they said the White House had revoked his green card as well. He was then put on a plane to a detention facility in Louisiana without any notice to his pregnant wife or his legal team.
• Now: Despite immediate outcry, the Trump administration has only doubled down on this chilling policy. They are now trying to silence anyone with opposing political beliefs – threatening to revoke green cards and deport people regardless of their deep and long-standing ties to the U.S. We're suing to stop this from happening to anyone else.

ACLU Supporter, ripping a graduate from their home, challenging their immigration status, and detaining them solely based on political viewpoint is a clear attempt by the Trump administration to silence dissent. This is a watershed moment for the right to speak truth to power and a massive violation of the First Amendment.

Tell ICE: The government must immediately release Mr. Khalil and reverse course on this discriminatory policy.

Together, we must act to free Mahmoud Khalil and stop this extreme assault on our rights.

Thank you for taking action,

Ben Wizner
Pronouns: He, him, his
Director, ACLU's Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project