Mahmoud Khalil, the Palestinian graduate of Columbia University who was detained by the Trump administration, called on the U.S. government and American in general to reflect on the potential repercussions of his arrest for the country's freedom and democracy.
The op-ed, published in the Washington Post, was written from his cell in Jena, Louisiana, where he has resided since March 8, when he was first taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Khalil, who is expecting a baby with his wife, reflected on his recent visit to a courtroom, where an immigration judge determined that the Trump administration could deport him despite his legal permanent status as it considers him a risk to national security.
"Earlier that day, I sifted through letters from supporters. Two postage stamps displayed the American flag, one stating 'liberty forever,' the other proclaiming 'justice forever.' The irony is stunning, especially regarding what I've learned about how the administration exploits immigration law to enforce its repressive agenda," he wrote.
"I think about the breakneck speed with which my case was heard and decided, running roughshod over due process. On the flip side, I think about those who I am locked up with, many of whom have been languishing for months or years waiting for their 'due process,'" Khalil added.
In the ruling, an immigration judge determined that Khalil's proceedings could continue based on the government's argument that the secretary of State can order the deportation of noncitizens if they pose adverse effects to the foreign policy of the United States.
The judge gave the government 24 hours to produce evidence, but Khalil's lawyers argue the move was too quick and did not give them enough time to review the Trump administration's filings.
The Columbia graduate is one of the numerous foreign students who have been detained by ICE for their actions in pro-Palestine protests, which the Trump administration deems anti-Semitic and a danger to the country.
The Trump administration has revoked student visas of hundreds of others international students. Federal officials have not specified why these visas have been revoked, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio has repeatedly said that some behavior, including participating in protests, will not be tolerated, CNN reports.
Khalil decried his detention as illegal and said no evidence has been produced against him besides his pro-Palestinian rhetoric.
"Why should protesting Israel's indiscriminate killing of thousands of innocent Palestinians result in the erosion of my constitutional rights?" he said.
Khalil concluded his letter, hoping that his detention will serve as a wake up call for Americans across the country about the Trump administration's power overreaching.
"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. I hope it will inspire your outrage that the most basic human instinct, to protest shameless massacre is being repressed by obscure laws, racist propaganda and a state terrified of an awakened public," he reflected.
"I hope this writing will startle you into understanding that a democracy for some— a democracy of convenience— is no democracy at all. I hope it will shake you into acting before it is too late," he concluded.
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