WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 18, 2025) – In response to the unlawful detainment of student activist and U.S. legal permanent resident Mahmoud Khalil, Greenpeace USA has signed on to a letter alongside a coalition of organizations urging Congress to uphold their oath to defend the Constitution. We believe Congress must act now to protect the rights of those they claim to represent, and demand the immediate release of Mr. Khalil from ICE custody. Greenpeace USA Democracy Campaign Director, Dr. Folabi Olagbaju said:
“In my home country of Nigeria, I have seen climate activists killed for daring to fight for a clean and just future. Like Mr. Khalil, I was also a student activist – one who was forced to watch my fellow classmates be killed for peacefully and nonviolently protesting the military dictatorship. When I came to the United States, I believed its foundation in democracy meant that people could speak out without fear of persecution, detainment, or death. That is no longer the case.
“The detention of Mahmoud Khalil sends a chilling message that dissent is no longer just being silenced, it is being punished. This is happening as the defenders of our freedom remain silent. As we’ve said before, universities have a responsibility of protection to uphold in regard to their students. Hiding behind statements about an obligation ‘to comply with the law’ holds no merit when those laws are being weaponized to violate constitutional and human rights. It is an egregious dereliction of duty to stand by as this administration attempts to illegally detain and deport a legal permanent resident of the United States.”Greenpeace USA encourages individuals to sign this petition to demand Mr. Khalil’s release and the dismissal of the threats against his legal status.
Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.
