Mahmoud Khalil highlights threats to US civil liberties from ICE detention

Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist currently held in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Jena, Louisiana, has issued a poignant letter detailing his struggles within the US immigration system. Published as an op-ed in the Washington Post, Khalil’s narrative sheds light on the broader implications of his detention for civil liberties in America.

In his letter, Khalil reflects on the stark realities of life in detention, where he shares space with 70 other individuals. As he awaits the birth of his child, he contemplates the hopes and fears of his fellow detainees, many of whom live in dread of being the next victims of what he terms the Trump administration’s “administrative errors.” He references the controversial deportation of Kilmar Ábrego García and over 260 others based on unverified allegations of gang affiliation, an act that exemplifies the potential for grave injustices within the immigration system.

Khalil's case raises critical questions about the values that underpin American democracy. Despite being a legal permanent resident, he faces deportation based on unsubstantiated claims, often fueled by sensationalist media narratives. In a recent ruling, an immigration judge allowed for Khalil's deportation, even as his case remains under judicial review elsewhere.

Reports indicate that the US government has leaned on tabloid articles to bolster its arguments against Khalil, alleging he misrepresented facts on his green card application. Among the accusations is the claim that he is affiliated with UNRWA, the UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees, which has faced significant funding cuts amid ongoing conflicts.

The legal basis for Khalil's deportation stems from provisions in the US Immigration and Nationality Act that empower the Secretary of State to revoke immigration statuses based on activities perceived to threaten US foreign policy. However, the government’s focus has shifted to Khalil’s personal beliefs, a troubling infringement on free speech rights. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently advocated for Khalil’s deportation based on his “beliefs, statements, or associations,” a move that raises concerns about the erosion of civil liberties.

Khalil recalls receiving letters from supporters adorned with American flags and proclamations of “liberty forever.” He finds it deeply ironic that these symbols of freedom contrast sharply with his own experiences of repression. He emphasizes the alarming speed with which his case has been processed, often at the expense of due process—a fundamental right guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment of the US Constitution.

Khalil firmly rejects the allegations against him, reaffirming his dedication to justice for all, regardless of faith. His activism at Columbia University involved collaboration with students of diverse backgrounds, advocating for Palestinian rights and equality.

In a powerful conclusion to his letter, Khalil warns of the precarious state of civil liberties: “I write this letter as the sun rises, hoping that the suspension of my rights will raise alarm bells that yours are already in jeopardy […] a democracy of convenience is no democracy at all.” His message coincides with Palestinian Prisoners’ Day, a reminder of the nearly 10,000 Palestinians currently imprisoned under Israeli occupation, including many without trial or due process.