Mahmoud Khalil, an anti-Israel activist, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at his Columbia University-owned apartment in New York City. There were claims that Khalil was involved in leading protests and encampments at the university for several months. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a warning to anyone supporting the Hamas terror group, stating that visas and green cards of Hamas supporters in America would be revoked for deportation. Khalil’s attorney, Amy E. Greer, argued that Khalil, as a legal permanent resident with a green card, should not have been subject to arrest by ICE agents.
Greer filed a habeas corpus petition on behalf of Khalil to challenge the validity of his arrest and detention by ICE. The attorney stated that ICE agents wrongfully detained Khalil, and his exact whereabouts were unknown. Reports suggested that Khalil may have been transferred as far away as Louisiana. Greer criticized the U.S. government for targeting student activists and using immigration enforcement as a tool to suppress political speech critical of Israel. Many individuals and organizations expressed support for Khalil and outrage at the government’s actions, offering assistance in legal proceedings to vindicate Khalil’s rights.
Despite reports of ICE activity near Columbia University, the university declined to confirm Khalil’s status as a student. However, the university reiterated its commitment to following the law and ensuring the legal rights of students are respected. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) also defended Khalil, stating that he is a lawful permanent resident who has not been charged with any crimes. CAIR condemned DHS’ decision to arrest Khalil based on his activism, viewing it as an attack on free speech, immigration laws, and Palestinians’ humanity. The organization pledged to support Khalil in fighting what they called an unjust arrest.
The allegation against Khalil was linked to his involvement in the Apartheid Divest group at Columbia University, where he allegedly organized unauthorized events that glorified a Hamas attack and posted content criticizing Zionism on social media. Khalil disputed the allegations, claiming that most of the charges were related to social media posts he had no connection to. He believed that his arrest was politically motivated to demonstrate action amid pressure from Congress and right-wing politicians. Khalil’s arrest occurred shortly after President Trump threatened to deport foreign students involved in illegal protests on campus. The administration also announced the termination of $400 million in federal grants to Columbia for failing to protect Jewish students.
In response to Khalil’s arrest, student activists, civil rights organizations, and lawyers mobilized to support him and challenge the legality of his detention. The case highlighted the tensions between free speech, political activism, and immigration enforcement measures in the United States. The broader issue of academic freedom, student rights, and the protection of minority communities on college campuses was brought into focus by Khalil’s arrest. The controversy surrounding the Columbia University Apartheid Divest group and the government’s response underscored the complex balance between security concerns, freedom of expression, and the rights of individuals in a diverse society.
