Trump declares war on First Amendment with arrest of activist Mahmoud Khalil

Yahoo

12-03-2025

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I am writing to express my deep concern over the recent arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia Unversity in New York student for his participation in antiwar protests. Khalil is an immigrant with green card.
Based on multiple media interviews that he was arrested for engaging in speech that is constitutionally protected under the First Amendment. This incident is not only a grave violation of individual rights but also a troubling affront to the core values upon which our nation was built.
The First Amendment guarantees every person within the United States – citizens and non-citizens alike – the right to freedom of speech, a cornerstone of our democracy. The arrest of an individual for exercising this right undermines the constitutional protections we hold sacred and threatens the very principles that make this country a beacon of freedom.
This troubling act sends a chilling message to immigrants and marginalized communities, many of whom have contributed immensely to the strength and diversity of our nation.
It raises the specter of fear and silences voices that deserve to be heard. Such actions erode trust in our institutions and weaken the fabric of our democracy.
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I urge local, state, and federal authorities to address this incident promptly and ensure accountability.
A robust and unequivocal commitment to upholding constitutional rights is essential to restoring public confidence and safeguarding the freedoms that define us as a nation.
I call upon members of our community, public officials, and all who value justice to join in condemning this violation of constitutional rights. We must stand together to ensure that our freedoms are protected for all, regardless of immigration status.
Furrukh Malik, Nashville 37203
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This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Trump administration violated the rights of Mahmoud Khalil | Letters