A letter from Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist currently incarcerated in a federal detention facility in Louisiana, raises a critical question about civil rights: “Who has the right to have rights?” Khalil’s inquiry draws attention to the implications of U.S. constitutional protections, particularly how they apply not merely to citizens but to all people.
The letter critiques the Trump administration for what it describes as a broader campaign against immigrants through the punishment of student organizers, including Khalil, Rumeysa Ozturk, and Mohsen Mahdawi, suggesting that their arrests represent serious violations of constitutional rights that could erode civil liberties for everyone.
Over the past two years, Khalil has engaged in various forms of protest against the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza and has been actively involved in student advocacy groups. He emphasizes that his humanist beliefs about justice and morality should apply universally, regardless of citizenship status. This sentiment resonates with the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants detained since January, including the case of Doğukan Günaydın, a University of Minnesota student whose legal status was revoked, leading to prolonged detention under questionable circumstances.
The letter highlights the concept of due process, asserting the necessity for government accountability before rights can be stripped from any individual. It compares current infringements on rights to historical precedents of oppressive regimes, emphasizing that fairness and equality under the law are essential tenets of democracy that must be defended.
In discussing the actions of the University of Minnesota, Khalil argues that the institution’s claims of inclusivity and support for marginalized communities are undermined by its compliance with federal actions that punish free speech and dissent. He calls for collective resistance among students and faculty to preserve the democratic values that underpin the rights of all individuals.
This thought-provoking message underscores the importance of standing united in the fight for civil rights and ensuring that justice is applied equitably to all, regardless of their background. It resonates with the broader narrative around civil rights movements and the continual struggle to ensure that protections under the Constitution remain accessible to everyone.
As the dialogue around these issues continues, Khalil’s question serves as a reminder of our collective responsibilities to advocate for the rights of all individuals, emphasizing the need for empathy and solidarity in the face of governmental overreach.