JUST SENT: FIRE has written to @DHSgov, @TheJusticeDept, @ICEgov, and @StateDept, requesting answers to the questions surrounding Mahmoud Khalil’s arrest and detention. The government hasn't stated the legal basis for its actions, and it has put out statements suggesting Mr. Khalil is being targeted because of his constitutionally protected speech. This is America. The administration must not use immigration enforcement to punish and filter out ideas disfavored by the government or deny due process to anyone facing arrest and detention. The government must also be transparent about the basis for its actions to avoid chilling protected speech. To be clear, demonstrations on Columbia’s campus since Oct. 7, 2023, have included both constitutionally protected speech and unlawful conduct. But the government has not clarified the factual or legal basis for Mr. Khalil’s arrest. The lack of clarity is chilling protected expression, as other permanent residents cannot know whether their lawful speech could be deemed to “align” with a terrorist organization and jeopardize their immigration status. FIRE’s letter demands answers: ➡️ What was the specific legal and factual basis for Mr. Khalil’s arrest on March 8? ➡️ What is the specific legal and factual basis for Mr. Khalil’s detention? ➡️ What is the specific legal and factual basis on which the government is seeking revocation of Mr. Khalil’s green card? ➡️ Will Mr. Khalil be afforded the due process protections required by U.S. law? ➡️ Is it the government’s intention to seek the revocation of lawful immigration status on the basis of speech protected by the First Amendment? FIRE has requested a response tomorrow, March 11th.