Congressman Derek Tran Issues Letter to Departments of Homeland Security and State Regarding ICE Detention of Mahmoud Khalil
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Derek Tran (CA-45) issued a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio requesting additional information regarding the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil and the legal justification for his detention.
“Due process is a cornerstone of justice, and it is imperative that Mahmoud Khalil’s case be handled with the utmost attention to fairness, transparency, and respect for the Constitution and our laws that govern his rights,” said Congressman Derek Tran (CA-45). “The invocation of the foreign policy bar of the Immigration and Nationality Act is highly questionable. The circumstances surrounding his detention must be thoroughly scrutinized to ensure that no rights are being violated or intentionally overlooked.”
The full letter is below:
Dear Secretary Noem and Secretary Rubio:
I write to express my serious concern over the recent ICE detention of Mahmoud Khalil, Columbia graduate student and lawful permanent resident, and the issues surrounding the due process of his case. Mr. Khalil’s detention on the basis of his speech and activism and the alleged “foreign policy consequences” to the United States raises profound questions regarding the fundamental rights to free speech and legal protections guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution.
Due process is a cornerstone of justice, and it is imperative that Mahmoud Khalil’s case be handled with the utmost attention to fairness, transparency, and respect for the Constitution and our laws that govern his rights. The invocation of the foreign policy bar of the Immigration and Nationality Act is highly questionable. The circumstances surrounding his detention must be thoroughly scrutinized to ensure that no rights are being violated or intentionally overlooked.
Given the gravity and urgency of this situation, I respectfully request that I be briefed on the full details of the case, including the legal justifications for his detention, the specific charges against him, and the steps being taken to ensure that his right to due process is fully respected. Please respond to my office no later than March 31, 2025.
Sincerely,
DEREK T. TRAN
Member of Congress
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