North New Jersey Democratic Socialists of America (NNJ DSA) condemns in the strongest possible terms the flagrantly illegal abduction by ICE of recent Columbia University graduate and green card holder, Mahmoud Khalil, from his university housing. Furthermore, we demand his immediate release.
Mahmoud was targeted for his leadership in the movement for Palestinian liberation, a movement which imperialist elites of both the Democratic and Republican parties have ruthlessly targeted.This response to punish student protests is a clear sign that the Trump administration is continuing down the road of fascism.
Early news reports stated that Mahmoud was taken to Elizabeth Detention Center (EDC), although it is currently unclear where ICE has taken him. EDC, a notorious private prison operated by Core Civic, should by all rights be closed. The state of New Jersey passed a law prohibiting ICE detention in the state and closed three of its four immigrant detention centers after a massive popular uprising against ICE in which DSA played a significant role.
Two facts are laid bare by ICE’s actions:
- The distinction between a person who is in the United States legally, and a person who is not, is a political one, not a matter of procedure or of following the rules. Anyone who poses a challenge to the regime can be made ‘illegal’ at the convenience of the ruling class.
- The struggle for freedom for immigrants in the United States and the struggle for freedom of Palestinians in their own land are interconnected. As long as we fail to see that we are fighting against one unified army of reaction, we will not be able to advance a single inch.
NNJ DSA is committed to finishing the job and closing all immigrant detention centers in the state. We are further committed to resisting ICE and supporting our immigrant neighbors during this crackdown and in the future. We unequivocally and unapologetically support the movement for Palestinian liberation and will fight the continued persecution of Palestinian solidarity.
Freedom for Mahmoud!
Freedom for Palestine!
Abolish ICE!
Solidarity forever!
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