U.S. Students’ Free Speech and Protests Under Threat: Why this Concerns us All
Authored by Kat Duesterhaus
The U.S. government is targeting students for their political beliefs, setting up a dangerous precedent.
The U.S. government is escalating its crackdown on student activists, particularly those involved in pro-Palestinian protests. Federal agencies are working with universities to suppress dissent, punish protesters, and intimidate international students into silence.
At Columbia University, more than 22 students have been expelled, suspended, or had their degrees revoked for their activism. Federal agents have arrested international students on campus, and the Trump administration is threatening to revoke $400 million in federal funding unless Columbia suppresses protests.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are raiding student residences, making international students fearful for their safety- If this can happen to them, who is next?
The Human Cost of Repression
The government’s crackdown is not just a policy shift; it is deeply affecting the lives of students who are being targeted for their political beliefs.
Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate student, and legal permanent resident, was arrested by ICE and is currently detained in Louisiana facing deportation. DHS claims his presence in the U.S. has "foreign policy consequences," yet no criminal charges have been filed against him.
Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian student from the West Bank, was arrested by DHS for overstaying her student visa. Her visa was terminated in 2022, yet she was only arrested after participating in protests.
Ranjani Srinivasan, a Columbia doctoral student from India, had her visa revoked and was accused of "supporting Hamas." Without a trial or hearing, she was forced to leave the country.
A Legal and Constitutional Crisis
The government’s actions raise serious legal and constitutional questions.
DHS falsely claimed that Khalil’s visa was revoked. However, as a green card holder, Khalil does not have a visa to revoke. The government does not have the authority to unilaterally strip someone of their residency without a legal process, including a review by an immigration judge.
The idea that officials can erase someone’s legal status at will is not only legally dubious but also a deeply authoritarian overreach.
Political Persecution in the U.S.
What is happening now follows the pattern of political persecution seen in authoritarian regimes. DHS Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar suggested that Khalil’s participation in protests justified his arrest. This is unconstitutional. The right to protest and freedom of speech are protected under the First Amendment.
If the government can arrest and deport people for their political beliefs, then the fundamental principles of democracy are under threat.
Escalating Attacks on Free Speech
The U.S. government is increasing its efforts to suppress dissent at every level. Columbia University is under pressure from the Trump administration to enforce anti-protest policies in exchange for federal funding. ICE and DHS have raided student residences under vague claims of "harboring illegal aliens." Khalil’s green card is being revoked despite his marriage to a U.S. citizen. International students fear speaking out, knowing they could be arrested or deported. This is a coordinated effort to silence opposition and deter activism.
A court has temporarily halted Khalil’s deportation, but he remains in ICE detention in Louisiana. DHS agents have claimed to have revoked his green card without legal authority. When his attorney requested a warrant, DHS agents hung up. This is not how justice is supposed to work.
A Precedent That Goes Beyond Columbia
This crackdown sets a dangerous precedent for how the government can use immigration status as a tool for political repression. DHS is weaponizing immigration policies to punish activism. Universities are working with federal agencies instead of protecting students. Protesters are being arrested without evidence of crimes. The federal government is pushing schools to suppress free speech. If this continues, more people will be targeted.
The Erosion of Civil Liberties
The decline of democratic freedoms in the United States is now being recognized internationally. The CIVICUS Monitor has placed the U.S. on its Watchlist for declining civil liberties, putting it alongside countries known for repressing civic freedoms. Press freedom, the right to protest, and other fundamental rights are rapidly deteriorating.
Targeting the Free Press
The Trump administration’s attacks on civil liberties extend to the press. The president has repeatedly called CNN and MSNBC "corrupt" and accused them of "illegal activities." He has suggested that news outlets critical of him should face legal consequences. These attacks are part of a broader effort to undermine press freedom, which is a cornerstone of any democracy.
If the government can control the media narrative and punish those who speak out, the foundation of democratic society itself is at risk.
Take Action
This fight is about more than Columbia. It is about fundamental rights that affect everyone.
Pressure Lawmakers: Tell Your Congressional Reps To Free Mahmoud Khalil
Amplify this issue – Share Khalil’s story and expose this government crackdown.
Support students at risk – If you’re a student, organize on campus to protect your peers.
Continue peacefully protesting - through boycotts, in-person demonstrations, and other non-violent acts of civil disobedience.
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