In a recent statement, one House Democrat expressed their expectation for the Department of Justice to work within the confines of the law. This comes amidst growing concerns over the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian man who has been held by the United States government for over a year without charge or trial.
The fact that this expectation even needs to be stated is concerning in itself. As a nation founded on the principles of justice and due process, it should go without saying that the Department of Justice, and indeed all government agencies, should operate within the confines of the law. Yet, here we are, in a time where such a statement needs to be made.
Mahmoud Khalil’s case is a prime example of the erosion of these fundamental principles. He has been held in detention since August 2019, when he was arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a routine check-in. Despite there being no evidence of any crime committed, Khalil has been held in detention ever since, with no access to a lawyer or a fair trial.
This blatant disregard for due process and the rule of law is not only a violation of Khalil’s rights, but it also sets a dangerous precedent for the treatment of all individuals, regardless of their nationality or immigration status. It sends a message that the government can detain anyone without cause and hold them indefinitely, without any form of legal recourse.
It is heartening to see that there are still voices in Congress, such as this House Democrat, who are speaking out against such actions and demanding that the Department of Justice operate within the confines of the law. But it is not enough to simply expect the government to follow the law. It is the responsibility of all elected officials to hold the government accountable and ensure that the rights of all individuals are protected.
The Department of Justice, under the leadership of Attorney General William Barr, has repeatedly shown a willingness to bend and break the law in pursuit of their own agenda. From the handling of the Mueller investigation to the use of federal agents to suppress peaceful protests, the DOJ has shown a disregard for the principles of justice and the rule of law.
In the case of Mahmoud Khalil, the DOJ has not even bothered to provide a reason for his detention. This is a clear violation of his constitutional rights and a breach of the trust that the American people place in their government to uphold the law.
It is time for the Department of Justice to be held accountable for their actions. The House Democrat’s statement is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done. Congress must demand answers from the DOJ and take action to ensure that individuals like Mahmoud Khalil are not subjected to such arbitrary and unjust detention.
In a country that prides itself on being a beacon of democracy and justice, the treatment of Mahmoud Khalil is a stain on our values. It is up to all of us to stand up and demand that our government operates within the confines of the law and upholds the rights of all individuals, regardless of their background.
The post by The Intercept aptly points out the absurdity of expecting the Trump administration to follow the law in the case of Mahmoud Khalil. However, this should not be a surprise to anyone. The current administration has consistently shown a disregard for the rule of law and the rights of individuals, especially those from marginalized communities.
But as citizens of this country, we cannot sit idly by and watch as our government tramples on the very principles that define us as a nation. We must demand accountability and justice for Mahmoud Khalil and all those who have been unjustly detained and denied their constitutional rights.
In conclusion, the House Democrat’s statement serves as a reminder that we must hold our government accountable and demand that they operate within the confines of the law. The detention of Mahmoud Khalil is a clear violation of his rights and a threat to the rights of all individuals. It is time for the Department of Justice to be held accountable for their actions and for Congress to take a stand in defense of justice and the rule of law.
