Pamela, imagine walking home or leaving your apartment, suddenly surrounded and arrested by masked, plainclothes federal agents.
No charges.
No notice.
Just disappearance.
This happened to Rumeysa Ozturk, a doctoral student at Tufts University, and she's not alone.
Across the country, immigrant students and alumni, particularly those who have used their right to free speech to support Palestinian rights, are having their visas revoked and even being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) without due process. Alarming reports have emerged from Arizona to Massachusetts, from California to New York.
This is McCarthyism in a MAGA mask. We are watching in real-time as the Trump administration weaponizes immigration enforcement and deportation for ideological revenge — and we must make our opposition loud and clear. Luckily, some members of Congress are already speaking out to protect and defend our rights. But Trump won't stop his assault on our rights without massive — and sustained — pushback. That's where you come in.
| ACT NOW |
What we are witnessing is not just an immigration scandal, it's a full-scale assault on the First Amendment. People are being punished not for violence or threats, but for writing op-eds, attending protests, or expressing political beliefs that challenge Trump.
It's likely just the beginning. How can we be sure? Secretary of State Marco Rubio has already bragged to the press that he's personally signed orders to revoke the student visas from 300 people — offering no specific charges or explanations, just political targeting.
Arresting anyone because of their views is terrible for our democracy. This is the disappearance of dissent, plain and simple.
We urge all those who celebrate freedom of speech, due process, and the fundamental rights we are all afforded, to stay committed to this fight, no matter who is at risk.
We can't act soon enough. Hundreds of families are at risk of facing the same terror experienced by Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder and pro-Palestinian activist, who ICE abducted from his home in New York. He is now being held at a detention center in Louisiana, where the ACLU has recently documented cruel and inhumane treatment, as his case makes its way through the courts. His wife, eight months pregnant, had no idea where he was for days.
Late yesterday, an immigration judge in Louisiana ruled Khalil can be deported. While his case continues on appeal, THIS is the moment to speak out and demand the safe return of every student protestor who has been detained.
Don't forget: Even a president can't do his worst if champions in Congress, movement partners, and people like us stay united. Join us:
Today it's pro-Palestinian activists. Tomorrow it's anyone who speaks out against injustice.
Let's show the world we will not stay quiet in the face of state-sanctioned silencing.
Thank you for working for peace,
The Win Without War team
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