Activists Demand End to Police Violence Against Protesters in Türkiye

Activists rallied at the New York Society for Ethical Culture on March 22 to demand the release of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil from ICE detention, highlighting concerns about free speech under the Trump administration. Khalil's legal team is fighting to have him moved to a less violent facility as he faces new accusations from the Justice Department intended to undermine anti-free speech claims. The event underscored a broader struggle against perceived government repression of dissent, particularly regarding support for Palestine. Similarly, Momodou Taal, a Cornell graduate student facing deportation for his pro-Palestinian activism, emphasized the dangers of political speech for international students. His situation reflects a growing trend of retaliation against those advocating for Palestinian rights in the U.S., as federal officials have linked his activism to 'disruptive protests.' Both cases illustrate a chilling effect on free expression amid heightened political tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict.