The Socialist Party USA stands in opposition to the arrest, detention and possible deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, who was targeted by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after serving as the lead negotiator of the Columbia University Gaza Solidarity Encampment. Khalil is a student, husband and legal resident of the United States.
The Trump administration's use – after being pressured by Zionist organizations – of the Department of Homeland Security and ICE to target Khalil is a sign of increased repression against human rights organizations that do not fall in line with the Trump administration's policies, supported by the Republican and Democratic Parties alike.
We call on our members to join the growing movement to oppose ICE and political repression of human rights activists and advocates. We encourage members to join protests and actions against this repression.
The Socialist Party has advocated against this type of political repression for over a century. The Sedition Act of 1918 was used to shut down Socialist newspapers and other correspondence and was the justification for the arrest and deportation of hundreds of Socialist organizers and activists. Five-time Socialist Party Presidential nominee Eugene V. Debs was imprisoned for two years after being arrested for giving a public speech in opposition to the military draft. As a result, the Socialist Party platform demands the right to protest and opposes criminal code reforms that restrict legitimate dissent. In any century, the use of law enforcement to target and eliminate political organizers is an unacceptable use of state power that must be opposed as we work toward a socialist society committed to full freedom of speech and assembly.
Passed by the National Executive Committee March 10, 2025