In a recent development at Columbia University, a Palestinian graduate student named Mahmoud Khalil has been detained by federal immigration authorities due to his outspoken role in anti-Israel protests on the campus. Khalil was apprehended inside a university residence by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as confirmed by his attorney. The agents reportedly based their actions on orders from the State Department to withdraw Khalil’s student visa. Though Khalil holds permanent residency in the U.S. through a green card, ICE agents have purportedly decided to revoke this status as well.
This incident marks a significant move by the current administration under President Donald Trump, aimed at removing international students who partook in recent protests condemning the conflict in Gaza. According to the administration, participants in these protests invalidate their residency rights by expressing support for Hamas, labeled as a terrorist organization. Khalil’s wife, who is an American citizen and nearing the end of her pregnancy, was also threatened with detention during the operation. Despite inquiries, the authorities did not disclose the precise reasons for Khalil’s arrest.
Initially, it was believed that Khalil had been transferred to a detention center in New Jersey, but it soon emerged he may have been moved to a different location, possibly as far as Louisiana. His legal representative expressed concerns about the lack of information regarding his client’s detainment, viewing it as an intensification of the administration’s policies.
Columbia University, where Khalil has been a prominent activist, stated that law enforcement must present a warrant to enter campus property, but did not disclose if such a document was provided for Khalil’s arrest. Attempts to reach the State Department, DHS, and ICE for comments have been unsuccessful. The Secretary of State has indicated that various immigration statuses may be revoked for those supporting Hamas.
For green card holders, deportation proceedings can be initiated if they are alleged to engage in activities supporting terrorist groups. This decision rests with immigration judges, according to immigration law experts. Critics argue that the arrest appears retaliatory against Khalil due to his political expressions, which the Trump administration apparently found objectionable.
As one of the leading voices during recent student protests, Khalil was involved in negotiations concerning an on-campus encampment last year. Moreover, he is among several students investigated by a newly established office at Columbia for their pro-Palestinian activities. This office has brought forth disciplinary charges against many students, with the university facing criticism for what some perceive as a curtailment of free expression.
Khalil’s case corresponds with broader actions taken by the administration, including cutting significant funding to Columbia University, citing concerns over alleged antisemitism. The university’s allegations against Khalil are primarily linked to his participation in a pro-Palestinian group and his purported role in organizing a controversial protest event. Khalil, however, insists that many accusations involve social media activity he had no part in.
Khalil claims that these institutional actions are attempts to appease political pressures by targeting students’ freedom of speech, particularly those supporting Palestinian causes.
