Washington (Quds News Network)- A coalition of renowned academics, activists, and artists has signed an open letter calling for an end to the Trump administration’s attacks on immigrants and student activists.
Among the signatories are prominent scholars Judith Butler, Robin D.G. Kelley, Gerald Horne, Charisse Burden-Stelly, and Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. The letter also includes notable artists such as actor Susan Sarandon, Alana Hadid, Palestinian-American painter Samia Halaby, and singer Lauren Jauregui. Labor leaders, including Brandon Mancilla, Director of United Auto Workers Region 9A, and Carl Rosen, General President of the United Electrical Radio and Machine Workers, have also joined the call.
The letter condemns the administration’s recent actions, which target immigrant students and activists. “We, the signers below, condemn the vicious attacks against free speech and the targeting of immigrant students,” the letter reads. It further highlights the broader dangers these actions pose to democratic rights. “Throughout history, the repression of student movements has always been the harbinger of a broader assault against basic democratic and civil rights for the rest of the nation,” it states.
The coalition has organized numerous rallies to protest the government’s actions. In Manhattan, thousands gathered for a march demanding the release of activist Mahmoud Khalil, who was detained by the Department of Homeland Security. Similar demonstrations took place in Washington, DC, and other cities across the country.
The group is also preparing for further rallies. The Shut It Down for Palestine Coalition, which has been organizing protests for Palestinian rights, has also called for a rally outside a New York court where Khalil’s case is being heard.
Mahmoud Khalil was abducted on March 8 at Columbia University housing by plainclothes DHS agents. His pregnant wife was reportedly threatened during the arrest. DHS moved him over 1,300 miles away to an ICE facility in Louisiana, initially refusing to disclose his location.