In the wake of Pro-Palestinian groups, there has been awful lot of silencing towards the cause. Almost as if it is against the law to speak up about atrocities being committed. Among the protesters, Mahmoud Khalil has been a known figure in these developments. As reported by ABC News, Khalil has been recently arrested by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) on the campus of Columbia University. This has been a head scratcher due to the activist having a green card – he has a permanent residency in the US.
Furthermore, ABC News also reports that Khalil’s wife and his attorney have released statements of his arrest. His wife reports that Khalil emailed Columbia University for legal support, specifically sent a day before his arrest, urging the university to intervene. She is also expecting a child in eight months and is pleading for his safety to come home in time for birth.
Similarly, his attorneys – Baher Azmy and Amy E. Greer are fighting for his freedom as well. Especially against the false claims of the Trump administration, who deemed Khalil as a “supporter of Hamas”. Fortunately, despite the strange process of Khalil’s detainment, Greer has been able to get in contact with the activist. The attorney states that Khalil is in good spirits, clarifying that ICE violates 1st and 5th amendment rights, as NewsNation reports.
Thankfully, Mahmoud Khalil is safe, but concerns are raised regarding the Trump Administration’s actions in this situation. Signaling a strict, harsh view on the freedom of speech and congregation. ABC News updates that a court hearing of the petition will occur on Wednesday at 11:30 AM. The public is hopeful that the Palestinian activist will continue to be safe and protected from harm’s way.
