Momodou Taal, a Gambian-British graduate student who fought against his deportation from the United States due to his vocal support for Palestine, has abandoned his legal battle and decided to leave the country.
In a statement on social media, the Cornell University student expressed gratitude to those who supported him, particularly his legal team. He emphasized that his activism was driven by a commitment to affirming the humanity of the Palestinian people.
“Today, I made the decision to leave the United States with my head held high,” Taal wrote. “I pursued this legal fight in hopes of securing relief for myself and others in similar situations. However, my visa was revoked, and ICE agents were sent to my home. Although we resisted and sought legal remedies, our first motion was denied. We planned to file a second briefing to stay out of detention while the case progressed, but I no longer have faith that the courts can ensure my safety or my right to free expression.”
He added that recent events had convinced him that remaining in the U.S. posed a serious risk to his well-being. “I no longer believe I could walk the streets without fear of being abducted,” he said. “Faced with these realities, I have chosen to leave on my own terms.”
Taal criticized what he described as the U.S. government’s disregard for the judiciary and the rule of law. He also warned that the repression of Palestinian solidarity was expanding to suppress broader dissent.
His departure comes amid a crackdown on international students involved in campus protests against Israel. At least 300 students have had their visas revoked due to their participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations, according to U.S. officials. Taal is one of at least two international students who have opted to leave the country after being targeted for deportation.
