On March 9, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and former Columbia University graduate student, amid the Trump administration’s crackdown on individuals accused of supporting anti-Israel movements.
Mahmoud Khalil: Activism, Arrest, and Legal Ramifications
Who is Mahmoud Khalil?
Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident of the United States, gained recognition as a leader in pro-Palestinian activism at Columbia University. He played a key role in organizing the 2024 Gaza Solidarity Encampment, a protest movement that called for the university to divest from Israel. This demonstration escalated into confrontations with university administrators and law enforcement, leading to mass arrests and heightened tensions on campus.
Details of His Arrest
ICE agents apprehended Khalil at his university-owned apartment in New York City, following an order to revoke his green card. The Department of Homeland Security justified the arrest by alleging Khalil’s involvement in activities linked to Hamas. His wife, who is eight months pregnant, was present during the arrest and was not informed of the reasons for his detention, raising concerns about due process and free speech rights.
Legal and Civil Rights Concerns
Civil rights advocates have strongly condemned Khalil’s arrest, viewing it as an attack on constitutionally protected political expression. The New York Civil Liberties Union called the detention “unlawful and retaliatory,” warning of its implications for free speech. Khalil’s attorney, Amy Greer, reported difficulties locating him after his arrest and criticized what she described as an arbitrary detention process.
Columbia University’s Response
Columbia University has been under scrutiny for its handling of student protests and accusations of allowing anti-Semitism on campus. In response to concerns raised by the Trump administration, which threatened to cut $400 million in federal funding, the university reaffirmed its stance against anti-Semitism and is working to mitigate potential funding losses.
Broader Implications
Khalil’s arrest is part of a larger Trump administration effort to curb dissent against Israel’s actions in Gaza. This initiative includes revoking visas and green cards of individuals accused of supporting Hamas, with pro-Palestinian protests being labeled as anti-Semitic. Critics argue that such policies threaten international students and infringe on civil liberties.
The detention of Mahmoud Khalil underscores growing tensions over pro-Palestinian activism in the U.S. and highlights the ongoing debate over national security policies and individual rights.
