(PHILADELPHIA, P.A, 3/17/25) – Later today, the Philadelphia chapter of Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia) will join over 20 Philadelphia-based organizations for a rally to defend free speech and protest the politically-motivated detention and threatened deportation of anti-genocide student activist Mahmoud Khalil.
A rally will be held at Philadelphia City Hall on Monday, March 17, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to oppose Khalil’s arrest, deportation, and the federal government’s growing crackdown on peaceful dissent.
Khalil, a lawful U.S. permanent resident, was arrested for engaging in constitutionally protected speech in support of Palestinian rights. He has not been charged with nor convicted of a crime. While a judge has temporarily blocked Khalill’s deportation, legal advocates warn that targeting activists in this way threatens immigration rights and free speech for all in the US.
A coalition of 50 Pennsylvania and Delaware based democracy, immigration, and legal advocacy groups is also circulating an open letter urging elected officials in Pennsylvania and Delaware to oppose Khalil’s deportation and stand against the broader assault on immigrants and dissent.
NOTE: CAIR recently filed a lawsuit against Columbia University on behalf of Mahmoud Khalil and other students.
WHAT: A rally demanding the release of Mahmoud Khalil and respect for free speech and immigration rights
WHERE: Philadelphia City Hall (NE Side)
WHEN: Monday, March 17, 2025, 5:30 – 7:00 PM
WHO: Amistad Movement Power; Asian Americans United; Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO; Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance; Community Action Relief Project; CAIR-Philadelphia; Free Migration Project; Freedom Road; Fridays @ Fetterman’s; IfNotNow Philadelphia; HIAS-Pennsylvania, Irish for Philly, Jewish Voice for Peace Philadelphia; Make the Road Pennsylvania; Mennonite Action; New Sanctuary Movement; Philadelphia Democratic Socialists of America; Philadelphia Palestinian Americans; Communist Party Pennsylvania USA; Philly Families for Ceasefire; Philly Palestine Coalition; Philly Socialist Alternative; Prayers for Peace Alliance; Rabbis for Ceasefire; Reclaim Philadelphia, SEIU Healthcare Pennsylvania
CONTACT: Ahmet Tekelioglu, 617-401-5397; atekelioglu@cair.com, Rachel Elfenbein, 267-257-6528; raelfenbein@hotmail.com
The rally will feature speakers from immigrant rights and Islamic, Jewish, Palestinian, and Christian organizations as well as Pennsylvania State Senator Nikil Saval.
Yesterday, CAIR called on the Trump administration to immediately readmit a Rhode Island doctor who traveled to Lebanon to visit family, but was then prevented by U.S. Customs officials from reentering the United States.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Ahmet Selim Tekelioglu, PhD; 617-401-5397 (mobile), atekelioglu@cair.com; Rachel Elfenbein, 267-257-6528; raelfenbein@hotmail.com
