Andrys, a 23-year-old Venezuelan gay makeup artist, was deported to El Salvador’s Cecot mega-prison without due process under a Trump-era policy. His lawyer, Lindsay Toczylowski, revealed his identity after government documents disclosed it, highlighting his disappearance following deportation despite lacking a court hearing or deportation order. Andrys, who sought asylum in the U.S., was flagged for gang affiliation based on tattoos his lawyer deemed innocuous. He is now held in a notoriously abusive prison, where his safety is gravely jeopardized.
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Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and lawful permanent resident, was abducted by DHS agents, held incommunicado in Louisiana, and faces deportation based solely on his political speech. The Trump administration justifies this action, claiming the right to circumvent due process for those deemed critical of the administration. This action, deemed unconstitutional, represents a broader attack on free speech, mirroring similar efforts against other protesters and critics. The successful prosecution of Khalil would set a dangerous precedent, severely restricting free speech and paving the way for a more authoritarian America.
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President Putin’s decree ordering Ukrainians’ departure from occupied and Russian territories by September 10th is a violation of international law, according to Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi. This action, deemed part of a genocidal policy, forces Ukrainians to either accept Russian citizenship or face deportation, furthering Russia’s Russification efforts. The decree also mandates medical screenings for those in occupied territories, adding another layer to the campaign of persecution and forced displacement. This move directly contradicts Russia’s claims of seeking a peaceful settlement and underscores its intent to destroy Ukrainian statehood.
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President Trump denied signing the proclamation invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport Venezuelan migrants, despite his signature appearing on the document. He attributed the action to others, specifically mentioning Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while simultaneously defending the deportations as necessary to remove criminals. A White House statement later clarified that Trump’s remarks referred to the original 1798 Act, a claim contradicted by his own statements. Judge Boasberg, meanwhile, expressed anger at the administration’s handling of the case and vowed to investigate potential violations of his temporary restraining order.
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The US deported a French scientist after immigration officials discovered text messages on his phone that were critical of Donald Trump. The officials, according to reports, deemed these messages potentially “terroristic,” leading to the scientist’s denial of entry and subsequent deportation. This incident raises serious concerns about freedom of speech and the potential for political persecution under the guise of national security.
This action appears to directly contradict the principles of free speech, a cornerstone of American democracy, and also undermines the rights of non-citizens. The fact that a scientist, visiting for a space conference, was subjected to such scrutiny based solely on his political views suggests a troubling level of overreach.… Continue reading
Badar Khan Suri, a Georgetown University postdoctoral fellow and Indian national, was detained by federal immigration agents. The Department of Homeland Security alleges Suri’s social media activity constitutes Hamas propaganda and antisemitism, leading to a March 15th Secretary of State determination deeming him deportable. Suri’s lawyer contends his client is innocent and that the detention is politically motivated due to his pro-Palestinian views, filing a lawsuit for his release. Georgetown University asserts its unawareness of any illegal activity by Suri and supports his right to free inquiry.
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A federal judge rejected the Trump administration’s attempt to dismiss the case of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student facing deportation, transferring it to New Jersey. The judge found the case outside his jurisdiction but upheld an order preventing Khalil’s removal from the country pending the New Jersey court’s decision. Khalil, a legal U.S. resident, alleges his arrest and attempted deportation violated his First and Fifth Amendment rights due to his participation in pro-Palestine protests. The government’s accusations of Khalil’s ties to terrorism remain unsubstantiated.
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Mexico is vehemently opposed to the United States deporting Mexican citizens to Guantanamo Bay, asserting that no Mexican should be sent anywhere but Mexico itself. This unwavering stance underscores a fundamental principle: the protection and repatriation of its citizens to their homeland. The idea of utilizing Guantanamo Bay, a site historically associated with controversial detention practices, as a deportation destination is deeply unsettling, especially considering its reputation and the potential for human rights abuses.
The suggestion that Mexico should cooperate with such a plan is viewed as unreasonable and completely unacceptable. It’s not merely a matter of geographical proximity; it’s about upholding the dignity and rights of Mexican nationals.… Continue reading
The White House’s defiance of a judge’s order to turn back deportation flights represents a blatant disregard for the rule of law, a shocking development in American governance. The core issue revolves around the administration’s decision to proceed with deportations despite a clear judicial mandate to halt them. This action isn’t just a disagreement over policy; it’s a direct challenge to the authority of the judiciary, one of the three pillars upholding the American system of checks and balances.
This deliberate disregard for the court order raises serious constitutional questions. The argument that the order became invalid once the deportation planes were over international waters is weak, particularly considering that the order was directed at officials within the jurisdiction of the court.… Continue reading
A lawsuit filed by a Cornell professor and two students, with the support of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), alleges that the Trump administration unconstitutionally suppressed free speech through executive orders. The plaintiffs claim these orders, enforced via deportation and other means, target individuals expressing pro-Palestinian views, citing the detainment of a Columbia University student as an example. This chilling effect has led plaintiffs to self-censor and limit public engagement for fear of government retaliation. The ADC seeks a temporary restraining order to block enforcement of the relevant executive orders, arguing they violate the First and Fifth Amendments.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood