Ex-Columbia Student Arrested by Federal Authorities Over Protest Role

In a significant move by federal authorities, Mahmoud Khalil, a former graduate student at Columbia University, was arrested on Saturday night at his university-owned apartment. Khalil, a Palestinian activist, played a prominent role in organizing pro-Palestinian protests on campus. His detention has ignited discussions on free speech, national security, and the boundaries of lawful protest.

According to his attorney, Amy Greer, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained Khalil around 8:30 p.m., acting on State Department orders to revoke his green card. Greer recounted that during the arrest, agents claimed they were revoking Khalil's student visa. Upon learning of his permanent resident status, they stated they were revoking his green card instead. Greer emphasized that no warrant was presented during the arrest, raising concerns about the legality of the detention process.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed Khalil's arrest, citing his involvement in activities aligned with Hamas, an organization designated as a terrorist group by the United States. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated that the arrest was conducted "in support of President Trump's executive orders prohibiting anti-Semitism." However, specific details regarding the allegations against Khalil remain undisclosed.

Khalil's wife, an American citizen who is eight months pregnant, was present during the arrest. Reports indicate that agents threatened her with detention as well, adding to the controversy surrounding the operation. Greer expressed frustration over the lack of information regarding Khalil's whereabouts, noting that attempts to locate him in detention facilities have been unsuccessful.

Columbia University responded to the incident by reiterating its policy that law enforcement must present a judicial warrant to access non-public areas of the campus, including residential buildings. The university stated it is committed to supporting its community while complying with legal obligations. However, it declined to comment directly on Khalil's arrest.

The arrest has drawn reactions from various political figures. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the administration would be "revoking the visas and/or green cards of Hamas supporters in America so they can be deported." Senators such as Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) expressed approval of the detention, emphasizing that individuals supporting terrorist organizations have no place in the country. Conversely, Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) criticized the arrest, arguing that it targets individuals exercising their First Amendment rights and sets a concerning precedent for free speech.

Civil rights groups have also voiced alarm, suggesting that the arrest could have a chilling effect on lawful protest and expression. Camille Mackler, founder of Immigrant ARC, remarked that the detention appears retaliatory against someone expressing an opinion contrary to the administration's stance.

Khalil's role as a negotiator during the campus protests made him a visible figure in the movement, leading to increased scrutiny from both university officials and federal authorities. The protests, which called for divestment from companies associated with Israeli operations in Palestinian territories, were part of a broader national discourse on Middle East policies and human rights.

This incident occurs amid heightened tensions between the Trump administration and academic institutions over issues of anti-Semitism and free speech. The administration recently announced plans to cut federal funding to universities perceived as not adequately addressing anti-Semitic activities, placing institutions like Columbia under increased pressure.

As the situation develops, it underscores the complex interplay between national security measures and the protection of constitutional rights. The outcome of Khalil's case may set significant precedents for how activism, particularly related to contentious international issues, is navigated within the United States.

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