Pro-Palestinian Activist Detained by ICE Sparks Outcry from Columbia Community

Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate student and Palestinian refugee, was taken into custody by ICE in connection with recent pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University as tensions rise over the Israel-Gaza conflict.

A student who was a leading figure in the pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University has reportedly been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Mahmoud Khalil, who has Palestinian roots and was raised in Syria, was captured while in his university residence on Saturday, according to his attorney, Amy Greer.

Khalil has been noted for his role as the chief student negotiator during last year’s protests, which mobilized students nationwide against U.S. support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The protests at Columbia were particularly significant, leading to a tent encampment on campus.

His attorney claims ICE informed Khalil that his student visa was revoked. However, she argues that he is a legal permanent resident married to a U.S. citizen, raising questions about the legality of his detention. Following his initial capture, Khalil's wife, who is eight months pregnant, attempted to visit him at the ICE facility but was told he was no longer there, leaving his location unclear. An online search indicated he was still being held at the Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility in New Jersey, but there are reports he might be moved further away.

Greer condemned Khalil's detainment as a "calculated wrong," echoing concerns among many who view it as an assault on free expression and civil rights. Khalil participated in negotiations with Columbia administrators during protests that had significant consequences, including a temporary suspension from the university.

This detention occurs in the context of President Trump’s executive order earlier this year, which threatened deportation for anyone thought to be involved in "pro-jihadist protests" or sympathizing with Hamas. Amid these tensions, the university is facing scrutiny, with some Jewish students claiming antisemitism infiltrated the protests, while others joined pro-Palestinian efforts.

The Trump administration recently cut $400 million in federal grants to Columbia, citing inadequate measures against campus antisemitism. Interim president Katrina Armstrong communicated the impact of this funding loss on university functions in a city-wide email.

The conflict in the region continues to escalate, with the Israeli military's operations resulting in widespread casualties among both Israelis and Palestinians, further inflaming the situation.