Leader of Student Protests at Columbia Facing Deportation After Arrest by Immigration Officials
NEW YORK (AP) — Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent Palestinian activist and leader of student protests at Columbia University, is facing deportation after his arrest by federal immigration agents over the weekend. – Protest
Khalil, who graduated from Columbia University in December 2024, was taken into custody on Saturday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the arrest, stating that it stemmed from President Donald Trump’s executive orders aimed at combating antisemitism. However, Khalil has not been formally charged with any crime related to his activism or protests.
Khalil’s involvement in the protests at Columbia University began earlier this year when he helped lead demonstrations in support of Palestine. As a student negotiator and active protester, he gained significant attention for his role in organizing rallies and mobilizing other students to voice their political stances on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
On April 29, 2024, Khalil was seen at a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on Columbia’s campus – Protest
where he continued to advocate for Palestinian rights and condemn the actions of the Israeli government. His leadership and dedication to the cause made him a well-known figure on campus, and it appears to have drawn the attention of federal authorities.
According to Khalil’s lawyer, Amy Greer, the ICE agents who arrested Khalil initially claimed they were acting on a State Department order to revoke his student visa. However, when Greer informed them that Khalil was a permanent resident with a green card, the agents revised their claim and said they would seek to revoke his green card instead.
The arrest has sparked significant backlash. – Protest
particularly from advocacy groups supporting Muslim and Palestinian rights. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a prominent national Muslim civil rights organization, issued a statement calling for Khalil’s immediate release. The group has pledged to work closely with Khalil’s legal team to ensure his rights are upheld and that he is not wrongfully deported.
“We are deeply concerned by this unlawful detention and the potential deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a young man who has only exercised his right to protest,” said CAIR’s spokesperson. “This appears to be another case of targeting individuals for their political beliefs, and we will not stand for it.”
The legal battle surrounding Khalil’s case is ongoing, and many are watching closely to see how the federal government will respond to mounting pressure from civil rights organizations and activists. As the situation develops, Khalil’s supporters continue to rally for his release, emphasizing the need for fair treatment under the law, regardless of his political views or the cause he advocates for.
Khalil’s case raises broader concerns about the potential consequences for other activists and students who participate in protests, especially those involving politically sensitive issues. As the nation grapples with ongoing debates about free speech and immigration policies, Khalil’s arrest serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between activism and the law.
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