“This Is Fascism”: Cabán Slams ICE for Detaining Activist

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March 10, 2025, New York – New York City Council Member Tiffany Cabán has issued a strong condemnation following the reported detention and disappearance of Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Khalil, a United States legal permanent resident and green card holder, was allegedly targeted for his political activism, raising serious concerns over the erosion of constitutional rights.

In her statement, Council Member Cabán characterized Khalil’s detention as a blatant act of fascism, warning that the United States is entering dangerous territory by punishing individuals for exercising their right to political speech.

“This is fascism,” Cabán declared. “A political activist has been disappeared and detained for his political speech.”

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Cabán underscored the constitutional protections enshrined in the First Amendment, emphasizing that political speech is a fundamental right. She further highlighted the importance of due process, a bedrock principle of the American legal system, which she asserts has been denied to Khalil.

“The Trump administration is testing the waters to see what they can get away with,” she warned. “Trump said today: ‘this is the first of many arrests to come.’ He has no intention of stopping here.”

The council member expressed deep concern that this event sets a dangerous precedent. She cautioned that what begins with legal residents and immigrants could soon extend to U.S. citizens.

“First, they come for the political activists with permanent legal status. Next, they will come for citizens.”

Cabán called on the public to mobilize and demand justice for Khalil, urging that he be immediately reunited with his wife, a U.S. citizen who is currently eight months pregnant.

She also invoked the lessons of history, pointing to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II as a grim reminder that the United States has previously committed human rights violations. She emphasized that the response to such injustices will determine the future of democracy in the country.

“The United States is not immune to human rights abuses,” Cabán stated. “Japanese internment happened in living memory. The difference will be in how we collectively respond. We must fight tooth and nail for democracy.”

As this situation unfolds, Cabán’s call to action urges New Yorkers and Americans alike to stand in defense of civil liberties and demand accountability from those in power.

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