Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

A rally in support of free speech and in support of college students who are being targeted for their political views is slated for 6 p.m. Thursday outside the Freeborn County courthouse.

A student from Minnesota State University-Mankato has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and is currently being held in the Freeborn County jail in Albert Lea. This student has legal status.

Other students, from Mankato and from Riverland Community College in Albert Lea, have had their visas revoked and have been ordered to self deport.

According to a press release, “Students who are studying in this country legally are being targeted across the country for being involved in free speech activities. These students are having legal documents revoked and are being held indefinitely.

“Concerned citizens are outraged and gathering to demand these students be free to study in this country and exercise their constitutional rights. We demand the release of students, reinstatement of legal status, and call on the Trump administration to cease and desist violations of the Constitution. We stand in solidarity with students all over the country who are being stripped of their rights.”