The US government has deported a Palestinian activist, Mahmoud Khalil, following an investigation into his social media activity. The case has reignited debates over free speech and immigration enforcement under the Biden administration.
Controversial Posts Lead to Removal
Khalil, who entered the US on a student visa, came under scrutiny from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after allegedly sharing content deemed supportive of Hamas. While his posts didn't explicitly endorse violence, authorities argued they violated the terms of his visa.
First Amendment Concerns Raised
Free speech advocates have condemned the deportation, with the American Civil Liberties Union stating: "The government shouldn't be deporting people based on political views protected by the First Amendment." ICE maintains the action was purely an immigration matter.
Growing Trend of Social Media Scrutiny
This case highlights increasing government monitoring of online activity in immigration cases. Since 2019, ICE's "Homeland Security Investigations" division has reviewed thousands of social media accounts as part of visa vetting processes.
Khalil was reportedly flown to Qatar after being detained for several weeks. The Department of Homeland Security declined to comment on specifics, citing privacy concerns.
