U.S. immigration authorities arrested a Palestinian graduate student, Mahmoud Khalil, who played a key role in last year’s anti-Israel protests at Columbia University. The arrest appears to be part of President Trump’s policy to deport international students involved in such demonstrations. The case has raised concerns about political retaliation and free speech on college campuses.
Mahmoud Khalil Taken into Custody
Federal immigration agents arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student, at his Columbia University-owned residence in Manhattan on Saturday night. His lawyer, Amy Greer, stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers acted under State Department orders to revoke Khalil’s student visa. However, when informed that he was a permanent resident with a green card, the agents allegedly stated they were revoking that status as well.
Connection to Columbia University Protests
Khalil played a major role in last spring’s anti-Israel protests at Columbia University, serving as a student negotiator during talks with the university administration. The protests were part of a broader movement criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza. Khalil’s role in these demonstrations made him one of the most visible student activists.
Trump Administration’s Stance on Protesters
The arrest appears to be one of the first enforcement actions under President Donald Trump’s policy to deport international students who participated in anti-Israel protests. The administration has argued that individuals supporting these demonstrations are aligned with Hamas, a designated terrorist organization by the U.S., and have therefore forfeited their right to stay in the country.
Legal and Political Ramifications
Khalil has been transferred to an immigration detention facility in New Jersey, while his lawyer has received no details about specific charges against him. Legal experts point out that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can initiate deportation proceedings against green card holders for various reasons, including alleged ties to terrorism. However, the final decision rests with an immigration judge.
Legal expert Camille Mackler, founder of Immigrant ARC, called the arrest a potential case of political retaliation. She stated, “This has the appearance of a retaliatory action against someone who expressed an opinion the Trump administration didn’t like.”
Columbia University Under Scrutiny
Columbia University has been under increasing government scrutiny due to allegations that it has failed to address antisemitism on campus. The Trump administration recently announced that $400 million in federal grants and contracts would be cut from the university due to its handling of anti-Israel protests.
Khalil was already under investigation by a new Columbia University office that has brought disciplinary charges against students critical of Israel. His case highlights the growing tension between free speech, campus activism, and government policies on protest movements.
What’s Next?
- Khalil’s legal team will challenge his detention and potential deportation.
- Columbia University may face further political and financial pressure from the federal government.
- Legal and civil rights groups are likely to push back against deportations tied to political activism.
The outcome of Khalil’s case could set a precedent for international students and green card holders involved in political protests in the U.S.
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