Mahmoud Khalil's arrest has sparked uproar given its timing amidst heightened tensions regarding US immigration and college campus activities involving political advocacy.
Pro-Palestinian Activist Detained Amid Controversy over Immigration Policies
Pro-Palestinian Activist Detained Amid Controversy over Immigration Policies
A Columbia University student known for leading pro-Palestinian protests has been detained by US immigration officials, raising concerns about rights and policies.
Article text:
A student prominent in pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University has been apprehended by federal immigration agents, confirmed his attorney. Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian refugee reared in Syria, was the chief student negotiator during the protests that unfolded on the Manhattan campus last year. According to his attorney, Amy Greer, Khalil was in his university-provided residence when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials detained him on Saturday.
Columbia University was a pivotal focal point for nationwide student protests against US support for Israel and the war in Gaza last year. The situation escalated when Secretary of State Marco Rubio took to X, emphasizing that the government would rescind visas of suspected Hamas supporters in the country, highlighting the sensitive political climate.
Greer stated that Khalil was informed by ICE agents that his student visa had been revoked, although she maintained that he holds legal permanent residency and is married to a US citizen. "We were initially told he was taken to an ICE facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey," Greer added. "However, when his wife, who is eight months pregnant, attempted to visit him, she was told he was no longer there."
The lawyer expressed deep concern about Khalil's whereabouts, indicating that he might be transferred as far as Louisiana. She condemned the situation as a “terrible and inexcusable – and calculated – wrong.”
During the protests last summer, Khalil was instrumental in discussions with university officials, leading students who established a large encampment on campus grounds and engaging in negotiations following the occupation of an academic building. Although he wasn't part of that particular group apprehended by authorities, he faced temporary suspension from Columbia.
Khalil's detention seems to align with heightened scrutiny of activism on US college campuses, influenced by President Donald Trump’s January executive order targeting participants in "pro-jihadist protests." Some Jewish students alleged that anti-Israel rhetoric crossed into antisemitism during the demonstrations.
The Columbia Jewish Alumni Association welcomed news of Khalil’s potential visa revocation, branding him a “ringleader of the chaos” at the institution. In response to growing tensions, the Trump administration recently announced the withdrawal of $400 million in federal grants to Columbia, citing its inadequate measures against campus antisemitism.
In context, the Israeli military intensified its campaign against Hamas following a severe attack on Israel that resulted in substantial casualties on both sides. Recent estimates indicate a stark toll, with over 48,000 Palestinians reportedly killed due to the military actions in Gaza, as noted by health sources associated with Hamas.
A student prominent in pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University has been apprehended by federal immigration agents, confirmed his attorney. Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian refugee reared in Syria, was the chief student negotiator during the protests that unfolded on the Manhattan campus last year. According to his attorney, Amy Greer, Khalil was in his university-provided residence when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials detained him on Saturday.
Columbia University was a pivotal focal point for nationwide student protests against US support for Israel and the war in Gaza last year. The situation escalated when Secretary of State Marco Rubio took to X, emphasizing that the government would rescind visas of suspected Hamas supporters in the country, highlighting the sensitive political climate.
Greer stated that Khalil was informed by ICE agents that his student visa had been revoked, although she maintained that he holds legal permanent residency and is married to a US citizen. "We were initially told he was taken to an ICE facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey," Greer added. "However, when his wife, who is eight months pregnant, attempted to visit him, she was told he was no longer there."
The lawyer expressed deep concern about Khalil's whereabouts, indicating that he might be transferred as far as Louisiana. She condemned the situation as a “terrible and inexcusable – and calculated – wrong.”
During the protests last summer, Khalil was instrumental in discussions with university officials, leading students who established a large encampment on campus grounds and engaging in negotiations following the occupation of an academic building. Although he wasn't part of that particular group apprehended by authorities, he faced temporary suspension from Columbia.
Khalil's detention seems to align with heightened scrutiny of activism on US college campuses, influenced by President Donald Trump’s January executive order targeting participants in "pro-jihadist protests." Some Jewish students alleged that anti-Israel rhetoric crossed into antisemitism during the demonstrations.
The Columbia Jewish Alumni Association welcomed news of Khalil’s potential visa revocation, branding him a “ringleader of the chaos” at the institution. In response to growing tensions, the Trump administration recently announced the withdrawal of $400 million in federal grants to Columbia, citing its inadequate measures against campus antisemitism.
In context, the Israeli military intensified its campaign against Hamas following a severe attack on Israel that resulted in substantial casualties on both sides. Recent estimates indicate a stark toll, with over 48,000 Palestinians reportedly killed due to the military actions in Gaza, as noted by health sources associated with Hamas.
