This month, Mahmoud Khalil, a recent Columbia University graduate who had previously worked with human rights organizations and the UK government, was detained in New York. Khalil’s wife, who is eight months pregnant, stated that her husband was not informed of the reason for his detention, and officers mistakenly assumed he was on a visa rather than possessing a green card, which permits him to reside in the US and safeguards his constitutional rights.

Khalil claims his detention is part of a crackdown on dissent and intended to discourage others from protesting. During pro-Palestine demonstrations on the Columbia campus last year, he served as a mediator between the university and the protestors. In contrast to many students, he did not conceal his face. This happened after Donald Trump was elected as US president and pledged to suppress student protests.

Professor Joseph Howley, who is acquainted with Khalil, describes him as “noticeably dedicated to non-violent conflict resolution, visibly committed to an inclusive vision of liberation and peace.” He explains to Michael Safi why the government’s efforts to detain and deport Khalil have “incredibly chilling” implications.

Chris McGreal, a writer for Guardian US, discusses the background of the case and whether free speech and the right to protest are secure under Trump’s administration.