Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate student, has been arrested by ICE, prompting widespread protests on campus. He is charged with supporting activities aligned with Hamas, leading to threats against his residency status and his American citizen wife’s wellbeing. The arrest has triggered significant legal and social implications regarding immigrant rights and activism at universities.
Protests have erupted at Columbia University following the recent arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and graduate student, by ICE officials. His apprehension occurred amidst the Trump administration’s threats to revoke green cards and visas from individuals deemed supporters of Hamas. Khalil, a permanent resident, is recognized for his significant role in organizing anti-Israel protests at the university during the previous spring.
Khalil was arrested on Saturday evening at his university-owned residence and is currently detained at an immigration facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey. His attorney, Amy Greer, disclosed that ICE agents threatened to arrest Khalil’s pregnant American citizen wife during his apprehension. Evidence suggests that ICE acted according to instructions from the State Department aimed at terminating Khalil’s student visa and green card.
Mahmoud Khalil, born in Syria in 1995, is a permanent U.S. resident who completed his undergraduate studies in Beirut before earning a graduate degree at Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs in December. He actively participated in negotiations regarding student protests on campus, which increased his visibility as an advocate for the pro-Palestinian movement. Recently, pro-Israel advocates have voiced demands for the Trump administration to initiate his deportation.
Khalil is under scrutiny from Columbia University, which has begun disciplinary actions against students involved in pro-Palestinian activism. Allegations against him include organizing unauthorized marches and promoting social media content critiquing Zionism, with potential violations of university policies.
The significance of Khalil’s arrest is underscored as the first known deportation action under President Trump’s policy targeting alleged Hamas sympathizers on college campuses. This action follows the cancellation of federal grants to Columbia due to its inadequate response to antisemitic incidents on campus. A recent executive order from Trump also stipulates the deportation of resident aliens who broke laws during protests following the October 7 terror attacks.
In response, Columbia University emphasized its commitment to uphold legal obligations and support its student body while safeguarding their rights. Khalil’s attorney announced they will challenge the arrest vigorously in court. A call to action has been issued by activist groups, urging the community to join protests demanding Khalil’s release, with events scheduled outside the federal building and a press conference led by university faculty.
In summary, the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil has ignited significant protests and raised important issues regarding the treatment of Palestinian activists in the United States. As a prominent figure in anti-Israel demonstrations at Columbia University, his detention marks a notable action under current immigration policies, potentially impacting various student rights and the broader discourse on activism in academic institutions. Community response includes planned protests and legal challenges that underscore a commitment to civil liberties and student support.
Original Source: www.fox5ny.com
