Immigration Authorities Arrest Palestinian Activist Involved in Columbia University Protests

Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and graduate student at Columbia University, was arrested by federal immigration authorities on Saturday.

Khalil, who had played a leading role in the university’s protests against Israel, was taken into custody at his university-owned apartment in Manhattan by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. His attorney, Amy Greer, stated that the arrest was based on orders from the State Department to revoke Khalil’s student visa. However, when the agent was informed that Khalil was a legal permanent resident, the agent indicated that they would instead revoke his green card.

The arrest marks the first publicly known action under the Trump administration’s efforts to target student activists who participated in protests related to the Gaza conflict. US officials have linked these actions to President Trump’s executive orders that prohibit support for Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, and aim to revoke the visas and green cards of individuals who are accused of supporting such groups.

Khalil’s involvement in Columbia University’s protests was significant; he served as a negotiator during the sit-ins and encampments set up on campus as part of the demonstrations. His activism made him a prominent figure in the pro-Palestinian movement on campus. In the past weeks, pro-Israel advocates had called for the administration to begin deportation proceedings against him.

While Khalil’s arrest is linked to his activism, the legal grounds for his detention are unclear. Immigration experts have noted that it is unusual for a legal permanent resident to be detained without formal charges being filed, and it raises questions about the legal basis for such an action.

During the protests last year, Khalil was involved in discussions with university officials regarding the demonstrations, some of which included actions like occupying academic buildings. He has denied involvement in some of the more controversial activities and has stated that the government’s actions appear to be a politically motivated effort to silence pro-Palestinian voices.

This incident has also drawn attention to the broader context of the US government’s stance on university protests related to the Gaza conflict. In addition to Khalil’s detention, Columbia University itself has faced scrutiny, with the Trump administration threatening to cut funding due to alleged failures in addressing antisemitism on campus.

The Associated Press and BBC contributed to this report.