Human Rights First Decries Government Targeting Mahmoud Khalil and Demands His Immediate Release

New York, NY – Human Rights First strongly condemns the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a U.S. permanent resident, by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This is a shocking escalation of efforts by the U.S. government to retaliate against Khalil for exercising his First Amendment rights during pro-Palestine protests, raising serious concerns about the government’s attempts to suppress political activism through intimidation.

“The Trump administration’s actions in this instance, and in many others, make clear that it intends to suppress speech it disagrees with,” said Anwen Hughes, Director of Legal Strategy for Human Rights First. “The First Amendment forbids this. Those protections cover us all and are essential to the functioning of a free society. DHS’s unjust targeting of activists cannot be tolerated.”

Khalil, an outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights, was arrested at his Manhattan apartment and transferred thousands of miles away from his family and legal counsel in New York. Prior to this arrest Khalil, like many others who have been outspoken on these issues, was the target of various harassment campaigns aimed at silencing his activism. 

The legal basis for DHS’s attempt to strip Mr. Khalil of his permanent residence is unclear. Its decision to detain him during legal proceedings also defies rational explanation. Human Rights First urges the Department of Homeland Security to immediately release Mr. Khalil so he can be reunited with his loved ones. 

To speak with Hughes or other experts at Human Rights First please contact [email protected].