Geraldo Rivera: Detaining Columbia Grad is Suppression of First Amendment Rights

Detainment and Motives

• 🚨 Geraldo Rivera argues that the secretive transfer of Mahmoud Khalil to Louisiana in the "dark of night" reveals an intent by ICE and federal agents to silence him.
• ⛓️ Khalil, a former Columbia graduate student and activist, is being held in ICE custody and faces deportation, with his transfer making it difficult for him to communicate with his pregnant wife and New York attorneys.

First Amendment Case vs. National Security

• ⚖️ Khalil's supporters and legal team contend that his detention is a First Amendment case, asserting his right to free speech.
• 🗣️ Secretary of State Marco Rubio counters that the issue is not free speech but rather that Khalil does not have a right to be in the United States, questioning the basis of student visas and green cards.
• 🚫 Rivera disputes Rubio's stance, stating there is zero evidence that Khalil screamed at anyone, blocked anyone, or violated any laws or the principles under which he was admitted to the country.

Allegations and Evidence

• 🎯 Rivera questions the alleged ties to Hamas, noting that there is no evidence presented that Khalil has a direct link to terrorists.
• 🤝 He suggests Khalil has acted as a mediator and negotiator between various groups, rather than an instigator.

Political Commentary and Constitutional Rights

• ✡️ Rivera criticizes President Biden's comment calling Senator Schumer a "Palestinian" and no longer Jewish, deeming it an unnecessary insult that strips away heritage simply due to disagreement.
• 🏛️ He emphasizes pride in the U.S. Constitution and upholds the right to free speech, calling the attempt to silence Khalil clumsy and unfair.
• ❓ Rivera questions the administration's confidence in their case, asking why Khalil is in Louisiana and not New York, suggesting it's to inconvenience him and keep him in isolation.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 He raises concerns about Khalil's rights as a permanent resident and the impact on his pregnant wife, stating that these actions make ICE look bad.