A prominent Palestinian protest leader at Columbia University has been arrested by agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Saturday night, despite holding a green card, according to his attorney. This arrest has sparked significant controversy, especially in light of President Donald Trump's recent statements regarding the deportation of international students participating in what he termed “pro-jihadist protests” on college campuses.
Columbia University was at the forefront of intense protests that erupted nationwide last year in response to the Israel-Gaza war. These protests were part of a broader movement advocating for Palestinian rights, which has drawn both support and criticism from various factions within the U.S. The arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student and protest leader, occurred just one day after the Trump administration announced the cancellation of $400 million in federal contracts and grants to Columbia, citing insufficient action against antisemitism on campus.
Mahmoud Khalil was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, who claimed that his student visa had been revoked. Khalil's attorney, Amy E. Greer, stated that when Khalil informed the agents of his lawful status as a permanent resident, they proceeded to detain him regardless. Greer has since filed a habeas corpus petition challenging the legality of Khalil's arrest and detention.
As per a locator website for ICE detainees, Khalil is currently held in Elizabeth, New Jersey. However, complications arose when his U.S. citizen wife, who is eight months pregnant, attempted to visit him only to be informed that he was not present at the facility. “We will vigorously be pursuing Mahmoud’s rights in court,” Greer affirmed, condemning the arrest as part of a broader pattern of repression against student activism and political speech, particularly targeting those critical of Israel’s actions.
In a statement, Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin indicated that Khalil’s arrest was aligned with President Trump’s executive orders aimed at combating antisemitism, asserting that Khalil had led activities associated with Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization. This development has intensified the ongoing national debate surrounding First Amendment rights and student safety, with advocates arguing that actions against protesters could infringe upon their rights to free speech and assembly.
Trump has made it clear that his administration will actively pursue the revocation of visas for individuals identified as supporters of Hamas, indicating that “resident aliens who joined in the pro-jihadist protests” should expect to be found and deported. Despite the legal complexities surrounding the revocation of green cards, the administration has signaled an intent to use executive power broadly to address perceived threats.
Columbia’s interim president, Katrina Armstrong, reiterated the university's commitment to combating antisemitism, declaring it the institution’s top priority. The university has faced criticism and support for its handling of protests and the political climate surrounding them. Activists have launched petitions demanding Khalil’s release, accumulating over 300,000 signatures in support of his case.
In response to the ongoing situation, the Student Workers of Columbia union has called on university leaders to establish a sanctuary campus, emphasizing the need to protect students and employees from potential ICE actions. Columbia University has acknowledged reports of ICE activity around campus and reiterated its protocol, which requires law enforcement to possess a judicial warrant to access nonpublic areas of the university.
The arrest of Mahmoud Khalil has ignited a significant conversation around the intersection of immigration policy, free speech, and student activism. As the legal battle unfolds, many are watching closely to see how this incident will affect the larger dialogue surrounding political expression on college campuses in the U.S.
