Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent pro-Palestinian student leader at Columbia University, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on Saturday. The arrest, based on accusations of his alignment with Hamas, has sparked widespread protests among his supporters, who argue that Khalil is being targeted for exercising his First Amendment rights. Despite these allegations, neither President Trump nor ICE has provided specific evidence linking Khalil to the designated terrorist organization.
Khalil, who holds a green card and is married to an American citizen, was residing in university housing with his pregnant wife at the time of his detention. According to ICE records, he is currently being held in Louisiana. The arrest has raised significant legal and constitutional questions, as Khalil's attorney emphasizes that as a permanent resident, he is entitled to many of the same rights as any other American citizen, including free speech protections.
Supporters Rally for Khalil's Release
In response to Khalil's arrest, hundreds of his supporters gathered outside a federal facility in New York on Monday afternoon, demanding his immediate release. The protestors expressed their belief that Khalil's detention represents a violation of constitutional rights and a crackdown on lawful activism. They are planning another rally on Tuesday afternoon to continue their efforts.
"Their illegal actions set a dangerous precedent. We cannot allow them to shred our constitutional rights to free speech and due process. Free Mahmoud Khalil," said Rep. Rashida Tlaib.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) also condemned Khalil's arrest, labeling it as an attack on free speech and immigrant rights.
"The Department of Homeland Security's lawless decision to arrest him solely because of his peaceful anti-genocide activism represents a blatant attack on the First Amendment's guarantee of free speech, immigration laws, and the very humanity of Palestinians," stated CAIR.
Federal Response and University Backlash
The Trump administration has taken a stern stance against perceived threats to national security and has criticized universities for inadequate protection of Jewish students. On Friday, the administration canceled $400 million in grants and contracts to Columbia University, citing the institution's "continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students."
President Trump has been vocal about his administration’s intentions regarding individuals they perceive as threats.
"We will find apprehend and deport these terrorist supporters from our country – never to return again," Trump declared.
Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), shared his concerns about the situation at Columbia University, highlighting what he sees as a hijacking of the school's core educational purpose by radical elements.
"It's abominable to see how a minority of malevolent students, radicalized faculty and outside agitators have hijacked the school and diverted it away from its core purpose, preventing everyone else from studying, learning and working… They don’t want to talk with their Jewish peers; they prefer to terrorize them," Greenblatt remarked.
Legal Proceedings and Future Implications
A federal judge intervened on Monday, blocking the Trump administration from deporting Khalil while legal proceedings are ongoing. This decision temporarily halts any immediate action against Khalil but leaves open the question of his future status in the United States.
Khalil has been actively involved in student protests that criticized Israel for its military response to Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. He played a key role as a negotiator for student demands at Columbia University, which included severing ties with Israel, ending student-exchange programs, and increasing financial transparency regarding the university’s investments.
The protests featured classroom occupations and a large tent encampment on campus grounds. Khalil's supporters argue that these activities fall within his rights as an engaged citizen advocating for policy changes.
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