Trump administration orders Cornell activist to surrender to ICE

In the United States, recent actions taken by the Department of Justice have prompted fears among international students involved in pro-Palestinian protests, especially at prestigious universities like Cornell. Momodou Taal, a Cornell University PhD student and a dual citizen of the United Kingdom and Gambia, was informed via an email from a DOJ attorney that he is to surrender to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The government’s push for Taal's surrender follows his lawsuit against the Trump administration, asserting that the enforcement of certain executive orders violates the First Amendment rights of international students. Court documents detail that Taal's student visa was allegedly revoked prior to his lawsuit, allegedly in response to his participation in disruptive protests against the Israeli government's actions in Gaza. Following similar actions against other activists, including Mahmoud Khalil from Columbia University, Taal's case illustrates a trend of escalating tensions around the free speech of international students and scholars. Additionally, Taal's suspension from Cornell due to protest activities contributed to his legal predicament, raising concerns about academic freedom and political expression on college campuses. On March 15, 2025, Taal and fellow activists filed a lawsuit challenging the executive orders aimed at combating anti-Semitism and targeting foreign nationals. They argue these measures infringe on constitutional rights. The lawsuit highlights a broader campaign by the Trump administration perceived as retaliatory against public dissent from university activism relating to the Palestinian cause. Taal's recent legal battles, heightened by Khalil's arrest and deportation attempts, underscore the precarious situation faced by student activists, leading to protests in support of his cause. The outcry reflects a growing concern across the nation regarding the potential consequences of government actions perceived to limit free speech, particularly in academic environments. Supporters and attorneys have expressed alarm at what they perceive as a crackdown on pro-Palestinian speech and the implications for future protests by international students across U.S. universities. Taal’s case continues to unfold as the matter awaits a court resolution, with increased advocacy efforts from faculty and students for his right to remain in the U.S. under his student visa.