A new legal update from ACLU and NYCLU.

Friend –

In the ongoing suit to protect the rights and safety of Mahmoud Khalil – ACLU, NYCLU, CLEAR, Center for Constitutional Rights, and Amy Greer just filed a motion for a preliminary injunction arguing his detention violates his First Amendment right and due process. We are fighting to return Mr. Khalil to his family and to stop the government from doing this to anyone else.

As a reminder of what's unfolded so far:

* On March 8, 2025, federal immigration enforcement agents arrested Mr. Khalil, a recent graduate of Columbia University, because of his pro-Palestinian advocacy last spring.

* At his home, the agents indicated that the government had revoked his student visa. Mahmoud's pregnant wife explained that he was a lawful permanent resident, not a visa holder – and even showed them his green card. They then claimed they'd revoked his green card, too.

* He was later put on a plane and sent to a detention facility in Louisiana without any notice to his wife or his legal team.

This is blatantly unlawful. Just like everyone else, Mr. Khalil is entitled to due process before something as serious as a green card revocation – and he also has the right to freedom of expression, including the right to take part in demonstrations and to publicly express opinions that the government doesn't like.

You cannot detain someone and revoke their legal status because of their advocacy and political views. That's not our opinion: It's central to the Constitution.

While we fight this in court, you can take action as well by sending a message to ICE demanding the release of Mr. Khalil now. Please join us in this crucial advocacy. <[link removed]>

Take Action <[link removed]>

ACLU Supporter, letters of support by Mahmoud's friends, colleagues, and professors tell us that before his unlawful arrest, he was busy thinking up names for his child and planning a surprise baby shower for his wife. Now he's a thousand miles away from his family, his community, and his home, simply because of his political advocacy.

Let's be clear: If the government can do this to Mr. Khalil, they can do it to any of us. We should all consider this a message from the Trump administration to anyone in America that if they dare to disagree – they will be punished.

We will continue to fight for Mr. Khalil's release and for the protections of the First Amendment. And we hope you'll consider taking action with your own message to ICE today as well. <[link removed]>

The ACLU Team


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