Banned for Criticizing Israel? The Dangerous Precedent The Right Wing Can’t Ignore

This is an original opinion piece written by Edmon G.

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of political revelations—from eye-opening podcasts to Trump’s battle with Congressman Thomas Massie.

Conservatives have engaged in these debates with intensity, yet one major event has flown under the radar: the deportation case of former Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil.

Khalil, a legal U.S. permanent resident with a Green Card, was detained by ICE on March 9, 2025, under orders from the Trump administration. The accusation? Alleged “activities aligned with Hamas.” His actual criminal charges? None.

Some on the right, particularly those who voted for Trump expecting mass deportations, might initially see this as a victory. But let’s be clear—this case isn’t about deporting criminals or securing borders. This is about punishing political speech. If a legal resident can be expelled from the country for engaging in protests, how long before they come for citizens?

The Sham Case

This case stems from an executive order signed by Trump on January 29, 2025—“Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism”. The order grants the government sweeping power to target non-citizens who express views that could be interpreted as endorsing terrorism.

The Department of Homeland Security claims Khalil’s leadership in pro-Palestinian protests constitutes “alignment with Hamas,” yet they have filed no formal charges. No evidence has been made public. What we’re seeing is the conflation of political activism with hate speech—an attempt to stretch anti-terror laws into tools for silencing critics of Israel.

If this precedent stands, how long before similar tactics are used against citizens? The First Amendment does not draw a line between citizens and legal residents when it comes to free speech. In Kleindienst v. Mandel (1972), the Supreme Court affirmed that both groups have a right to expression. Moreover, without evidence of a crime, Khalil’s detention blatantly violates his due process rights under the Fifth Amendment.

For now, a federal judge has temporarily blocked his deportation. But if this case goes south, the implications will extend far beyond one man’s fate.

Unexpected Reactions

Despite the administration’s narrative, even some Jewish groups have expressed concern. In a widely shared video, Jewish students at Columbia can be seen singing in protest of Khalil’s arrest.

Meanwhile, Ben Shapiro—who claims to stand for free speech—has celebrated Khalil’s detention. (See his post below) It’s telling that the so-called defenders of Western values have no problem tossing constitutional rights aside when it serves their interests.

The Logical Position for the Right

First, we need to demand actual evidence linking Khalil to Hamas. No one should be deported based on vague allegations. Second, the right must recognize that this tactic can and will be turned against us.

Paleo conservatives, Christian Nationalists, and those who actually care about this country are already being marginalized. The establishment—whether neoconservative or progressive—has shown its willingness to use “anti-hate” laws as a battering ram against dissidents. If we allow the state to criminalize criticism of Israel, we will soon find ourselves on the receiving end.

Christians oppose mass murder in Gaza because our faith commands it: Thou shall not kill. If quoting scripture now constitutes hate speech, what exactly are we conserving?

Safe Spaces for Them, but Not for Us

What is Trump’s administration really aiming for here? Are they fighting terrorism, or are they carving out a criticism-free zone for Zionist students? Protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza have been ongoing since October 7, 2023, and not a single death has resulted from them. So why this crackdown?

Compare this to the past:

• Where were “safe spaces” for white conservatives when Jessica Doty-Whitaker was killed for saying All Lives Matter during the BLM riots?
• Where was ICE when ANTIFA terrorists murdered Aaron Danielson for wearing a MAGA hat?

Time and time again, we see selective enforcement. The government turns a blind eye to left-wing violence, yet uses its full force against those who dare to question Israel’s actions.

Trump is abandoning his base. The donors are dictating policy, and the administration is listening. If we stay silent now, we are paving the way for our own suppression.

This is not just about Khalil. This is about every one of us who refuses to fall in line. We cannot let America First drift into Israel First.

A legal resident of the U.S. has the right to criticize any nation—including Israel. If we allow this administration to take that right away, we’re next.

Defend free speech now. Because once it’s gone, it’s not coming back.

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