Cornell Student Faces Deportation Amid Pro-Palestinian Activism, Attorneys Allege Free Speech Assault
Washington, D.C. – Momodou Taal, a doctoral candidate at Cornell University and an active participant in pro-Palestinian protests, is facing potential deportation proceedings after U.S. immigration officials contacted his legal team, requesting his surrender to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Taal’s attorneys have characterized the move as an assault on free speech, linking it to a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian voices and criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
According to court filings, Taal’s legal team received an email from U.S. immigration officials on Friday, instructing him to turn himself in to ICE custody. The email explicitly stated that Taal should appear in person at the Homeland Security Investigations Office in Syracuse at a mutually agreed-upon time, both for the formal serving of a Notice to Appear (NTA) and for him to surrender to ICE custody. A Notice to Appear typically marks the initial stage of the deportation process.
Taal, a dual citizen of the UK and the Gambia, is currently pursuing a doctorate in Africana Studies at Cornell. His involvement in pro-Palestinian protests, particularly those critical of Israel’s military actions in Gaza following the October 2023 Hamas attack, has drawn attention. The timing of the immigration notice, coupled with previous statements from former President Donald Trump regarding the deportation of foreign pro-Palestinian protesters, has fueled concerns about political targeting.
Former President Trump has openly stated his intention to deport foreign individuals participating in pro-Palestinian protests, accusing them of supporting Hamas and harboring antisemitic views. Taal’s attorneys have vehemently denied such allegations and have argued that the deportation proceedings are a direct response to his exercise of free speech. They contend that his activism and criticism of Israeli policies should not be grounds for immigration enforcement.
Taal previously filed a lawsuit seeking to block the deportation of protesters, alleging that such actions would violate their constitutional rights. He has also claimed to have been doxxed, suggesting that his personal information was maliciously shared online, potentially exposing him to threats and harassment.
The controversy surrounding Taal’s case extends beyond the immediate legal battle. Protesters, including some Jewish groups, have consistently argued that criticism of Israel and support for Palestinian rights are often wrongly conflated with antisemitism and support for Hamas. They maintain that it is possible to advocate for Palestinian rights and criticize Israeli government policies without endorsing or supporting violence or hate speech.
According to the court filing, the email from the U.S. government stated that ICE was inviting Taal and his counsel to appear in person for personal service of the NTA and for Taal to surrender to ICE custody. The email did not specify a deadline or timeline for Taal’s surrender. ICE has not yet issued an official statement regarding the matter.
Earlier this week, individuals residing in Taal’s communal housing near Cornell’s campus reported suspicious activity, including the presence of unmarked vehicles and law enforcement agents outside his residence. One resident stated in court filings that they spoke to an officer involved in the surveillance. Following a request from Taal’s attorneys for a judge to prevent his detention as the case moves forward, federal officials reportedly instructed him to surrender to ICE via email, according to Eric Lee, one of Taal’s attorneys. Taal’s attorneys have declined to comment on his current whereabouts.
Maria Kari, another attorney representing Taal, has characterized the situation as an attempt at intimidation, raising concerns about his safety. "Is he safe? No, that’s up to the government," she stated to USA TODAY.
Taal’s activism on campus predates the recent pro-Palestinian protests. Last year, he was among a group of activists who disrupted a career fair that featured weapons manufacturers. As a consequence, the university ordered him to study remotely, a measure that further intensified the scrutiny surrounding his activities.
The potential deportation proceedings against Taal are not isolated. The Trump administration previously attempted to deport other foreign nationals involved in pro-Palestinian activism. These actions have been widely condemned by human rights advocates, who argue that they represent a suppression of dissent and a violation of fundamental rights.
Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University protester, was arrested earlier this month and is currently challenging his detention through legal channels. Former President Trump has accused Khalil, without providing evidence, of supporting Hamas. Khalil has denied any links to the militant group, which the U.S. government designates as a foreign terrorist organization.
Similarly, Badar Khan Suri, an Indian national studying at Georgetown University, was detained this week. Suri’s lawyer denies that his client supports Hamas. A federal judge has since barred Suri’s deportation.
In Taal’s case, the federal judge has ordered the government to respond to the legal challenges by Saturday. A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon to address the issues raised in the case. The legal proceedings will likely focus on the balance between immigration enforcement and the protection of free speech rights, particularly in the context of political activism. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for the rights of foreign nationals to engage in political expression and protest in the United States. The case is being closely watched by civil rights organizations, immigration advocates, and academic freedom groups.
