Today, NCAC, along with our partners at PEN America, the Rutherford Foundation, and the First Amendment Lawyers Association, joined an amicus brief written and filed by The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) in urging the court to uphold Mohamad Khalil’s First Amendment rights and release him from detention. In an era where political speech and academic freedom are increasingly under threat, NCAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect individuals from government overreach and suppression.
Efforts by the Trump administration to deport Mr. Khalil, along with threatening other individuals based solely on their political viewpoints, have raised serious concerns about the erosion of First Amendment rights. When lawful residents face punishment for engaging in peaceful advocacy, it sets a dangerous precedent that threatens not just individuals but the broader principles of free speech and democratic discourse. NCAC firmly opposes such actions and works to ensure that government power is not used as a tool for censorship.
At NCAC, we believe that the right to express diverse and even controversial opinions must be protected for all people—citizens and non-citizens alike. By challenging government censorship and advocating for stronger First Amendment protections, we help ensure that everyone, regardless of their views, has a voice in shaping the future of our society.