On Saturday night, Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent Palestinian activist and leader in the Columbia University student protest movement advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza, was apprehended by federal immigration authorities. His attorney reported that the arrest was executed under a State Department order to revoke his green card. This incident marks a significant escalation by the Trump administration in its crackdown on pro-Palestinian demonstrations within U.S. college campuses.
Khalil's arrest aligns with President Donald Trump's recent threats to deport foreign students and imprison individuals he labels as "agitators" involved in what he considers “illegal protests.” According to the Department of Homeland Security, Khalil was arrested on March 9, 2025, in coordination with the Department of State due to his alleged activities supporting Hamas, which is classified as a terrorist organization.
In recent months, Khalil has been a leading voice in the student-led anti-war movement at Columbia University, where he has faced scrutiny from a newly formed university committee investigating pro-Palestinian activism. His attorney, Amy Greer, remarked that the arrest represents a broader trend of governmental repression against student activism and free speech, specifically targeting individuals critical of Israel's actions in Gaza.
A habeas corpus petition has been filed on Khalil’s behalf, challenging the legality of his arrest. However, his legal team currently faces uncertainty regarding his whereabouts. Initial reports indicated that he had been transferred to an ICE facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey, but subsequent inquiries revealed that he was not detained there, leaving his family and legal representatives in a state of confusion.
An ICE spokesperson confirmed that the arrest was undertaken by the department’s Homeland Security Investigations, but immigration experts have expressed concerns regarding the legal grounds for Khalil's detention. They noted that while the DHS can initiate deportation proceedings against green card holders for alleged criminal activity, the circumstances surrounding Khalil's arrest are unprecedented.
Khalil's arrest has sparked outrage among activists, friends, and civil rights organizations. Columbia University has acknowledged the reports of ICE activity on campus, asserting that it will continue to comply with the law. However, the university has not clarified whether it received a valid warrant for Khalil's arrest, which is required for enforcement actions on university property.
Columbia has become a critical focal point for pro-Palestinian protests, with students calling for divestment from companies that support Israel's military actions in Gaza. Khalil played a significant role in organizing these efforts and was part of the Gaza Solidarity Encampment, which aimed to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing conflict.
Numerous civil rights organizations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), have condemned Khalil’s arrest, calling it an infringement on his First Amendment rights. CAIR emphasized that Khalil is a lawful permanent resident who has not been charged with any crime, labeling the government’s actions as a blatant attack on free speech and the rights of Palestinians.
Murad Awawdeh, president of the New York Immigration Coalition, echoed these sentiments, describing the targeting of Khalil as an affront to constitutional rights. Activists like Jude Taha and Zainab Khan maintain that despite fears surrounding Khalil’s arrest, the movement for Palestinian rights will continue to gain momentum, underscoring the need for advocacy against injustice.
Since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, 2023, the situation in Gaza has deteriorated significantly, resulting in the deaths of over 45,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children. The humanitarian crisis has galvanized protests across university campuses in the U.S. and beyond, with students calling for action against what they describe as war crimes and human rights violations.
As Khalil’s friends and legal team strive to locate him and advocate for his release, they remain committed to raising awareness about the crisis in Gaza and the implications of U.S. policies regarding immigration and free speech. Khalil’s unwavering commitment to his principles serves as a rallying point for activists determined to continue their fight for justice and solidarity with the Palestinian people.
