Mahmoud Khalil, a key figure in last year's pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, is facing detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to his lawyer. Khalil, a Palestinian refugee originally from Syria, was known for leading negotiations during the demonstrations that protested U.S. support for Israel and the war in Gaza. The incident occurred when ICE agents apprehended him in his university housing.
Pro-Palestinian Student Activist Detained by ICE Amid Controversy Over Immigration Policy
Pro-Palestinian Student Activist Detained by ICE Amid Controversy Over Immigration Policy
A prominent Columbia University student advocate has been taken into custody by federal agents, raising concerns about immigration enforcement tactics.
His attorney, Amy Greer, stated that ICE informed Khalil his student visa was revoked, although Khalil is a legal permanent resident and married to a U.S. citizen. Conflicting reports emerged as Greer noted the location of Khalil remained unclear after an attempted visit by his pregnant wife led to conflicting information from ICE agents.
Khalil's arrest aligns with President Trump's earlier executive order targeting individuals involved in anti-Israel protests on college campuses, a move that has provoked a mixed response from various student groups. Jewish students at Columbia have expressed differing views on the protests, with some alleging antisemitism and others joining pro-Palestinian efforts. Following Khalil's arrest, the Trump administration also announced it would withdraw federal funding from institutions accused of not addressing campus antisemitism adequately.
This situation continues against the backdrop of the escalating conflict, with devastating casualties noted on both sides of the Israel-Hamas violence that reignited in October 2023.
Khalil's arrest aligns with President Trump's earlier executive order targeting individuals involved in anti-Israel protests on college campuses, a move that has provoked a mixed response from various student groups. Jewish students at Columbia have expressed differing views on the protests, with some alleging antisemitism and others joining pro-Palestinian efforts. Following Khalil's arrest, the Trump administration also announced it would withdraw federal funding from institutions accused of not addressing campus antisemitism adequately.
This situation continues against the backdrop of the escalating conflict, with devastating casualties noted on both sides of the Israel-Hamas violence that reignited in October 2023.
