CAIR-Chicago & Advocates Condemn Abduction of Mahmoud Khalil and White House Use of ICE to Suppress Political Dissent — CAIR-Chicago

On March 12, 2025, CAIR-Chicago, alongside elected officials and community partners, hosted a critical press conference at the Azima Center denouncing the abduction of lawful permanent resident Mahmoud Khalil and the ongoing political suppression of pro-Palestinian protestors—activists for human rights.

Speakers reacted to Mahmoud’s federal court hearing, which took place just hours before, and announced the introduction of a new resolution by Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez condemning the weaponization of ICE to suppress political dissent and violate First Amendment rights.

“Mahmoud’s case is not just about one individual,” said Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago. “It is whether the White House can summarily abduct legal residents and deport them for holding personal or political opinions that might not please the current ruler. It is very much about the heart and soul of American democracy.”

This escalation follows a disturbing national trend of political suppression on college campuses. In Chicago, Northwestern University has been pressured to crack down on pro-Palestinian protesters, and the University of Chicago has evicted students for advocating for Palestine—blatant violations of First Amendment rights.

Speakers included:

• Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director, CAIR-Chicago

• Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 25th Ward

• Ed Yohnka, Director of Communications & Public Policy, ACLU of IL

• Muhammad Sankari, Organizer, US Palestinian Community Network (USPCN)

• Fred Tsao, Senior Policy Counsel, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR)