Palestinian Activist’s Arrest at Columbia University Marks New Phase in Immigration Crackdown
The recent arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and former Columbia University graduate student, has highlighted the Trump administration’s intensified efforts to target student activists. Khalil was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at his university apartment in New York, following orders related to his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests.
Khalil, who had completed his master’s degree at Columbia’s School of International Affairs, became a prominent figure during protests against Israel on campus. According to his attorney, Amy Greer, ICE agents claimed they were acting to revoke Khalil’s student visa, later stating that his permanent resident status was being rescinded instead.
Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, confirmed the arrest and connected it to President Trump’s executive orders against anti-Semitism. Khalil’s detention aligns with the administration’s assertion that protest participants, perceived as supporting Hamas, have forfeited their right to remain in the U.S.
As ICE agents apprehended Khalil at his Manhattan residence, they also allegedly threatened the arrest of his pregnant wife, an American citizen. Greer reported that Khalil was initially held at a New Jersey detention facility, though his whereabouts later became unknown.
Columbia University stated that law enforcement must present a warrant to enter university property, but did not clarify whether one was shown before Khalil’s arrest. The university has faced scrutiny from the Trump administration, which has threatened to cut significant funding over its handling of alleged anti-Semitism.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to revoke visas and green cards of individuals supporting Hamas, further escalating the administration’s stance. Immigration experts argue that the detention of a legal permanent resident without criminal charges is an unusual move with a questionable legal basis.
Camille Mackler of Immigrant ARC suggested this arrest might be retaliatory and politically motivated, given Khalil’s high-profile role in the protests. Khalil himself has been under investigation by Columbia for his involvement with the Columbia University Apartheid Divest group and alleged social media activity.
According to Khalil, the university’s actions aim to suppress pro-Palestinian speech, with multiple allegations against him based on social media posts. Khalil maintains his innocence, stating, “They just want to show Congress and right-wing politicians that they’re doing something, regardless of the stakes for students.”
Read more about the administration’s funding cuts to Columbia University.
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