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OPINION

We Reserve the Right

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Townhall.com.
AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File

In what should be a moment of clarity for anyone paying attention, ICE recently detained an international graduate student from the University of Minnesota. The student—whose name and alleged offenses have not been disclosed—was apprehended near the Twin Cities campus. It’s part of a broader sweep by federal authorities across multiple universities targeting individuals whose activities allegedly align with terrorist sympathies or radical activism.

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You’d think people would appreciate a government doing its job—keeping a close eye on foreign nationals with potential ties to dangerous ideologies. But no. Cue the performative outrage and sanctimonious wailing from Democrats like Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who rushed to the cameras as if ICE had just kicked in the door of a preschool rather than detained someone who may pose a threat to national security.

Let me remind Governor Walz of something painfully obvious: international students are not entitled to be here. They’re here because we—the United States of America—graciously allow them to be. It is a privilege, not a right. And if we discover that anyone on a student visa is dabbling in radical politics, celebrating terrorism, or otherwise abusing the trust placed in them, we have every right—indeed the obligation—to send them packing.

But Democrats like Walz don’t see it that way. They consistently defend not just the activists, but in many cases the sympathizers of terrorists themselves. This is the same Tim Walz who once amplified a comment that compared ICE operations to “terrorism” in America. Yes, according to the Left, actual terrorists need to be understood and accommodated—ICE agents, though? They’re the problem.

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In 2019, Walz proudly spoke at a CAIR event, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Hatem Bazian, a man who has spent his career defending anti-Israel terrorism and trafficking in antisemitic conspiracies. That same year, Walz invited Imam Asad Zaman to the governor’s mansion for a Ramadan celebration—Zaman being the same radical who, after the October 7th terror attacks against Israeli civilians, pledged “unwavering support” for Palestinians and has previously promoted Hitler-praising propaganda. These are the types of voices Walz embraces. These are the kinds of ideologies he refuses to distance himself from.

And now, when federal agents detain someone who may be linked to this web of radicalism, we’re supposed to clutch our chests and gasp?

Give me a break.

Here’s a reality check: the United States doesn’t owe anyone a student visa. It’s not a participation trophy. Our universities are not safe havens for those who hate our country or sympathize with those who do. You want the privilege of a world-class education here? Then act like you deserve it. Respect the flag that flies over your classroom. Don’t use our campuses to push hatred against Jews, fundraise for terrorists, or stoke anti-American rage.

We are living in an era where a growing number of foreign students—and the radicalized faculty who enable them—have forgotten (or never learned) that coming to the U.S. is not a birthright. It’s an opportunity extended with trust. And when that trust is violated, the American people reserve the right to end the arrangement.

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Let’s be very clear: this isn’t about race, religion, or even politics. It’s about allegiance. If you come to this country and use your time here to undermine it, defend those who murder civilians, or work against American interests—you’re not just an ungrateful guest. You’re a liability.

That’s what this moment demands of us. To distinguish between the student who comes here to learn, to dream, to achieve—and the one who comes here to sow discord, push propaganda, or flirt with violent ideologies.

And while Democrats like Walz rush to defend the latter, the rest of us need to get serious. We need to support ICE when they enforce the laws already on the books. We need to hold universities accountable when they coddle radicals and refuse to cooperate with federal investigations. And above all, we need to remind the world: We. Reserve. The. Right.

The right to protect our borders.  
The right to question those who abuse our goodwill.  
The right to say, “No more” when radicals take root in our classrooms.

Because in the end, America is still the greatest place on earth to come to—if you want to build something beautiful with your life. If you want to learn from the best, grow into something greater, and pursue the wildest dreams you could imagine, there’s no better place than the United States of America.

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But that door of opportunity swings both ways. And if you enter it with hatred in your heart for the very nation giving you that chance—don’t be surprised when we show you the way back out.

Love this country, and you’ll be amazed at what’s possible.  

Hate it? Then we reserve the right to send you home.

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