Congress demands release of detained students amid immigration crackdown

In the United States, two students, Mahmoud Khalil and Rumeysa Ozturk, have been held in immigration detention facilities in Louisiana for over a month after being arrested by federal agents. Khalil, a graduate of Columbia University, and Ozturk, a PhD student at Tufts University, were detained due to their participation in pro-Palestinian protests. The congressional delegation, led by Representative Troy Carter, visited the detention centers to advocate for their release and to highlight the conditions these individuals face. Lawmakers argue that both Khalil and Ozturk should not have been detained as they have not been charged with any crimes and are victims of an unjust immigration policy under the Trump administration. The situation has drawn attention due to the broader implications of the administration's deportation agenda and its impact on individuals advocating for their communities. Khalil's recent application to attend the birth of his child was denied by ICE, raising further concerns about the treatment of those in detention. Ozturk has faced medical issues while in custody, further highlighting the urgent need to re-evaluate the conditions and legality of such detentions. The Democrats’ visit not only underscores the personal stories of Khalil and Ozturk but also serves as a rallying point for broader immigration reform amidst ongoing political tensions. Their case is indicative of the punitive measures enacted against dissenters and the potential misuse of deportation laws under the guise of national security, calling into question the effectiveness and humanity of the immigration system in the U.S.