By now most have heard or read in the news about the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student activist who was instrumental in organizing protests directed towards Israel at Columbia University. Simply put, this is a tremendous violation of free speech and harassment against minorities. Abruptly, one night sitting in his apartment, ICE ( Immigration and Customs Enforcement) storms in, and takes Khalil into custody. His crime? Speaking his mind. I do not necessarily agree with his stance, although I do share serious concerns about how Israel is conducting their war in Gaza. Yet, the green card possessing Khalil is considered a permanent resident of the United States and is married to 8 month pregnant wife who is a US citizen.
The Trump administration is attempting to deport Khalil based on an assumption he is "leading activities aligned to Hamas". Furthermore, the Department of Homeland Security continues by stating his arrest is part of Trump's executive order prohibiting Antisemitism. Seriously? You got Trump allies Elon Musk and Steve Bannon throwing off Nazi salutes for the nation and world to see, so what therefore do you think our racist rhetoric foul mouth president is made of?
Now another Columbia University student has been arrested on bogus charges occurring March 5th, 2025, by the name of Yunseo Chung. Once again, because her view point differs from the Trump's administration concerning the war in Gaza. Chung is a lawful permanent resident of the United States. This is what authoritarianism looks like.
Now, another disconcerting development has emerged, disclosed in a published article today on the Associated Press website. Private groups skilled in facial recognition technology are being used to "identify" protesters, so that such information will be submitted to the Trump administration to target people for deportation. For their personal views and their right to protest! This is what has become of our American society. We are under a full fledged dictatorship and a total abuse of executive power like I have not seen.
I cannot help but say FAFO, but since this blog is rated PG, I will not spell out the acronym. In Dearborn Michigan, many of the American Palestinians threw their support behind Donald Trump, opposing Joe Biden's alliance with Israel. The strategy amongst a great number in their community was to vote against Kamala Harris in the presidential elections. Others voted as independents, and some did not vote all (duh). Yet, both Biden and Harris were advocates for a two state solution.
What could had the U.S. Palestinians see behind Donald Trump's campaign promises? He never once said anything to indicate he wouldn't support Israel, particularly, considering some of his biggest supporters were white Christian evangelicals. Any one who voted for Donald Trump knew his character, knew he is a racist, is a misogynistic, hates gays, hates "foreigners", and is just a mean and cruel man. Yet these same Christians, and many of the Dearborn Palestinians cast their ballots for Trump, and not for the black woman.
Yet, regardless of his stance, unless this student was aiding or participating in a terrorist organization, there is no cause to arrest or deport Khalil. It is real apparent from October 7, 2023 that Hamas is indeed a terrorist organization. He has a right to express his opinion on the war, on what is occurring in Gaza, and a right to protest and speak out. He does not have a right to harass Jewish students, and I am not seeing any of that unless I missed it. Funny how the Trump administration didn't give a damn about the neo-Nazis demonstrating in Lincoln Heights, Ohio on February 7, 2025. But no brainer here, the protesters were white racists attempting to antagonize black residents in a predominately black area. Remember Charlottesville, were a woman who was a counter protester to a white nationalist demonstration was killed. Remember how Trump proclaimed that 'there are fine people on both sides.
Because a person voices concerns on the conduct or cause of a war, does not make them a threat to our nation. The real threat is in the oval office, and his name is Elon Musk and Musk's side kick, Donald Trump. People should be able to peacefully protest without fear of retribution, and our democratic rights and privileges are quickly slipping away. If you value the laws of this nation, our constitution and our democracy, its time to rise up and meet the occasion.
