Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student activist at Columbia University, was detained by ICE for leading anti-Israel protests. His attorney reported efforts to revoke both his student visa and green card. Secretary of State Rubio stated that Hamas supporters’ visas would be revoked, while Columbia pledged to comply with federal laws. The event reflects a broader crackdown on student activism related to Israel and has raised significant concerns about freedom of speech.
Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student activist at Columbia University, was recently detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials at his New York residence. Khalil, known for leading anti-Israel protests last spring, was taken into custody under orders from the State Department that aimed to revoke his student visa. According to his attorney, Amy Greer, despite being a permanent legal resident, there are efforts to revoke his green card as well.
Greer emphasized the determination to defend Khalil’s rights, stating, “We will vigorously be pursuing Mahmoud’s rights in court, and will continue our efforts to right this terrible and inexcusable – and calculated – wrong committed against him.” Historically, detaining a green card holder without a serious crime is uncommon, highlighting the complexity of revoking such status which typically involves a rigorous legal scrutiny.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on the social media platform X that visas and green cards would be revoked for Hamas supporters in the U.S., linking to the Associated Press story detailing the incident with Khalil. Following this, Columbia University affirmed its commitment to adhere to federal laws while supporting its student body, stating that it urges respect for all students’ legal rights.
This arrest may signal the Trump administration’s follow-through on deporting international students engaged in anti-Israel protests, as reported incidents of harassment against Jewish students during these protests have drawn attention. Tricia McLaughlin of the Department of Homeland Security affirmed that Khalil’s activism is aligned with Hamas, a designated terrorist organization.
In a further twist, the Trump administration announced the cancellation of $400 million in federal funding to Columbia University, criticizing the institution for not adequately addressing antisemitism on its campus and suggesting further penalties might be considered. In response, Murad Awawdeh, New York Immigration Coalition President, condemned the actions taken against Khalil, declaring, “This blatantly unconstitutional act sends a deplorable message that freedom of speech is no longer protected in America.”
The detainment of Mahmoud Khalil at Columbia University has raised significant concerns about students’ rights and the implications of federal actions against international students involved in protests. With the administration signaling punitive measures against institutions perceived to support antisemitism, the complexities surrounding immigration laws and activist rights are becoming increasingly pronounced. Observers stress the importance of protecting freedom of speech in light of these developments, which could set a concerning precedent for academic institutions.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
