Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian refugee raised in Syria, was a leading figure in last year’s demonstrations at Columbia University against the Gaza war. His lawyer stated that he was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at his university-owned residence in Manhattan. Khalil's involvement in the protests made him a known figure, as Columbia became a central location for nationwide activism against U.S. support for Israel. His attorney, Amy Greer, emphasized that Khalil is a legal permanent resident with a green card, disputing claims that he was undocumented.
Pro-Palestinian Activist Detained by U.S. Immigration Officials Sparks Outcry
Pro-Palestinian Activist Detained by U.S. Immigration Officials Sparks Outcry
A prominent Columbia University student involved in pro-Palestinian protests has been detained by federal immigration agents, drawing attention and concern from civil rights advocates.
Greer reported that ICE agents informed Khalil his visa was revoked, which she contests. Khalil's current whereabouts are unclear, raising alarms about potential violations of his rights. The situation escalated when Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced intentions to revoke visas of supposed Hamas supporters in the U.S. Amidst accusations of antisemitism by some Jewish students during protests, the Trump administration has taken a hard stance against demonstrations deemed pro-jihadist. The recent deportation threats against Khalil coincide with the administration's backlash to Columbia University, which has been accused of not addressing antisemitism effectively.
The protests stemmed from the ongoing conflict following Hamas's attacks on Israel, with subsequent Israeli military action resulting in thousands of Palestinian casualties. Community members and advocates for students’ rights continue to voice their concerns over the implications of Khalil's detention on freedom of expression within academic environments.
The detention of Khalil highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict and raises questions about civil liberties, activism, and immigration policy within the United States.
In a time of significant political and social unrest, cases like Khalil's remind us of the complex interplay between advocacy and immigration standing, drawing attention to the consequences faced by those who voice dissent.
The protests stemmed from the ongoing conflict following Hamas's attacks on Israel, with subsequent Israeli military action resulting in thousands of Palestinian casualties. Community members and advocates for students’ rights continue to voice their concerns over the implications of Khalil's detention on freedom of expression within academic environments.
The detention of Khalil highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict and raises questions about civil liberties, activism, and immigration policy within the United States.
In a time of significant political and social unrest, cases like Khalil's remind us of the complex interplay between advocacy and immigration standing, drawing attention to the consequences faced by those who voice dissent.
