Senator Cleare Statement on the Abduction of Mahmoud Khalil

I am appalled by the abduction of Mahmoud Khalil by the department of Homeland Security without due process. On March 8th, Mr. Khalil was arrested, detained, taken to Louisiana, and threatened with deportation. He is a legal resident of the United States and who is a permanent Green Card holder.

I am very concerned about the precedent this action by the federal government would set should they succeed in their intent. Citizens and people with lawful documents are afforded the liberty of the first amendment. This protects all speech including political speech. The mass protests in support of Mr. Khalil that have erupted in my district, New York City, and across the nation demonstrates the outrage New Yorkers are expressing. These attacks on basic rights and freedoms of our neighbors must stop.