In a notable escalation of campus activism policing, Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and recent Columbia University graduate, was arrested by federal immigration officials.
NPR reported that this arrest is part of a broader initiative led by President Trump to deport individuals involved in university protests, raising concerns about free expression and political activism in educational settings.
Khalil was taken into custody on a Saturday night at his university-owned apartment in Manhattan, New York, by agents from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
His arrest was conducted based on allegations linking him to Hamas activities during his participation in protests at Columbia University last spring. The protests were held to mark the anniversary of a conflict involving Israel and Hamas.
The operatives acted under directives from the State Department to revoke Khalil's student visa, which was followed by an attempt to annul his green card upon learning of his permanent resident status. Amy Greer, Khalil's legal representative, stated that Khalil's arrest stemmed from his alleged roles during these campus demonstrations.
The Department of Homeland Security substantiated the claims that Khalil's arrest falls in line with the Trump administration's executive orders against anti-Semitism.
They pointed specifically to his leadership roles in activities purportedly supporting Hamas. This move highlights a direct action under a new plan targeting campus activists, marking Khalil as an initial case.
Columbia University's protests last year included memorials and rallies commemorating the first anniversary of an attack by Hamas, generating both support and criticism from various quarters within the university. Subsequently, the university has taken disciplinary measures against several students, Khalil included, who were involved in pro-Palestinian activism.
Following the protests, the Trump administration severed $400 million in federal funding to the university, accusing it of not addressing issues of anti-Semitism sufficiently. This funding cut is part of a series of actions that have further stoked the debate over free speech and political expression on campus.
The legality of arresting and potentially deporting a legal permanent resident like Khalil without a formal charge has sparked concern among immigration experts. According to Greer, "This is a clear escalation. The administration is following through on its threats," highlighting the perceived retaliatory nature of the action.
Camille Mackler, founder of Immigrant ARC, commented on the situation, stating, "This has the appearance of a retaliatory action against someone who expressed an opinion the Trump administration didn't like." These comments reflect widespread concern about the implications of such measures on academic freedom and expression.
Khalil, who had just completed his master's degree at Columbia's School of International Affairs, voiced concerns about the nature of the allegations against him.
"They just want to show Congress and right-wing politicians that they're doing something, regardless of the stakes for students," he told the Associated Press, highlighting his disillusionment with the political machinations surrounding his case.
Adding to the tension, during Khalil's arrest, there were threats of detaining his American citizen wife, who is presently eight months pregnant. Such actions have raised serious ethical and legal questions regarding the treatment of immigrant families under current U.S. policies.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reinforcing the administration's stance, declared on X (formerly known as Twitter) that visas and green cards of those supporting Hamas would be revoked. This statement underscores the administration's commitment to using immigration control as a means of political and ideological enforcement.
As of Sunday night following the arrest, the exact whereabouts of Khalil were unclear. His wife reported that despite being told Khalil was taken to an immigration facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey, he was not there, leading to further confusion and concern among his family and supporters.
The arrest and subsequent uncertainties have galvanized advocates and communities alike, spotlighting the broader implications for immigrant rights and freedom of expression.
As the situation unfolds, legal battles and public debates are expected to intensify, testing the boundaries of law and liberty in the context of political protests and national security narratives.