US-Based Gambian Student Momodou Taal Targeted by Trump for Deportation Leaves the US

Momodou Taal, a Gambian graduate student studying in the US, has voluntarily left the country after his student visa was revoked due to his participation in pro-Palestinian protests on campus.

The Case of Momodou Taal

The dual UK-Gambian citizen, who was studying at Cornell University, became one of hundreds of international students targeted by the Trump administration’s crackdown on campus activism related to the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Why Taal’s Visa Was Revoked

Taal’s troubles began when he:

• Posted “Glory to the Resistance” following the Hamas attack on Israel in 2023
• Told protesters “We are in solidarity with the armed resistance in Palestine from the river to the sea”
• Was suspended twice by Cornell University for protest activities

Choosing to Leave Voluntarily

After losing his legal battle to remain in the US, Taal announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he chose to depart “free and with my head held high” rather than face forced deportation.

“Given what we have seen across the United States, I have lost faith that a favorable ruling from the courts would guarantee my personal safety and ability to express my beliefs,” Taal wrote.

Broader Context of Student Deportations

The case highlights:

• At least 300 students have had visas revoked for protest involvement (according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio)
• The Trump administration’s use of “self-deportation” policies for international students
• Controversy over free speech rights versus national security concerns

Legal Basis for Deportations

Officials cite the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows deportation of non-citizens deemed “adversarial to the foreign policy and national security interests” of the US. This aligns with Trump’s January executive order targeting antisemitism.

Reactions and Implications

While administration officials defend the actions as necessary to combat antisemitism, critics argue the deportations violate free speech protections. The case raises questions about:

• The boundaries of acceptable political expression for international students
• The impact on academic freedom in US universities
• Potential chilling effects on student activism