In response to the Trump administration’s unlawful arrest and detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a lawful permanent resident and recent graduate of Columbia University, Paul O’Brien, Amnesty International USA’s Executive Director, made the following statement:
“The arrest and detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student activist and lawful permanent resident, is the latest attack on human rights by the Trump administration. Each and every one of us – regardless of immigration status – has the right to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and due process.
Targeting and threatening peaceful protesters and their immigration status for the content of their protest, such as advocating for the human rights of Palestinians, is a violation of human rights.
Paul O’Brien, Amnesty International USA’s Executive Director
“Targeting and threatening peaceful protesters and their immigration status for the content of their protest, such as advocating for the human rights of Palestinians, is a violation of human rights. This targeting sends a chilling message to people across this country, on and off campuses, that anyone exercising their rights will be subject to repression, detention, and possible deportation. And for the immigrant communities already living in fear throughout the U.S., they are now only further pushed into the shadows with fear that they could be deported for speaking out.
“No matter how the Trump administration tries to manipulate it, freedom of expression is a human right, not a deportable offense.
Paul O’Brien, Amnesty International USA’s Executive Director
“No matter how the Trump administration tries to manipulate it, freedom of expression is a human right, not a deportable offense.
“The U.S. government must release Mahmoud Khalil immediately. Colleges and universities must also take steps to protect their immigrant students from ICE enforcement and ensure that the human rights of all of their students and faculty to protest in support of Palestinian rights and other issues is respected and protected.”
Header image: Protestors gather to demand the release of Mahmoud Khalil at Foley Square on March 10, 2025 in New York City. Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and Palestinian activist arrested Saturday , received a temporary reprieve from deportation. Photo by David Dee Delgado/Getty Images.
