Federal immigration authorities arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student at Columbia University who was a prominent figure in protests against Israel. ICE agents entered his university-owned residence in Manhattan and took him into custody, allegedly revoking his student visa and green card. Khalil’s wife, who is eight months pregnant, was also threatened with arrest. The reason for Khalil’s detention was not initially provided, and his whereabouts were unknown, with reports suggesting he may have been transferred as far as Louisiana.
Khalil’s arrest was seen as one of the first actions under President Trump’s promise to deport international students who participated in pro-Palestine demonstrations. The administration claimed these students supported Hamas and thus forfeited their right to remain in the country. The Columbia University spokesperson said law enforcement must show a warrant before entering university property, but did not confirm if one was presented for Khalil’s arrest.
The allegations against Khalil focused on his involvement in the Columbia University Apartheid Divest group, with claims of organizing unauthorized events glorifying Hamas and criticizing Zionism on social media. Khalil denied most of the allegations, stating that they were an attempt to suppress pro-Palestine speech. Immigration authorities have broad authority to deport green card holders for alleged criminal activity, which would ultimately be decided by an immigration judge. Overall, Khalil’s arrest was viewed as retaliation for his activism against Israel and support for Palestine.
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