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Palestinian Student Arrested Amid Crackdown on Pro-Palestinian Activism
Graduate Student Arrested by U.S. Immigration Agents
U.S. immigration agents arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. The arrest took place at his university residence on Saturday evening as part of President Donald Trump’s crackdown on anti-Israel activists.
Khalil’s Background and Legal Status
Khalil holds a U.S. permanent residency (green card) and is married to a U.S. citizen who is eight months pregnant. His arrest has drawn condemnation from civil rights organizations, which argue it is an attack on protected political speech.
Allegations Against Khalil
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed in a social media post that Khalil “led activities aligned to Hamas,” but did not provide further details. Under U.S. law, it is illegal to provide “material support or resources” to designated terrorist organizations, including Hamas. However, no charges have been publicly filed against Khalil for such offenses.
Political Response
Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on Khalil’s arrest, stating that the U.S. government would revoke the visas or green cards of individuals who support Hamas. DHS has not clarified whether Khalil is facing deportation or other legal action.
Khalil’s Role in Student Protests
Khalil has been a prominent figure in pro-Palestinian activism at Columbia University, acting as a mediator between student protesters and university administrators. Although he did not participate in the occupation of an academic building, he was a lead negotiator for student demonstrators advocating against the university’s investments in weapons manufacturers and companies supporting Israel.
University and Civil Rights Reactions
Columbia University stated that it is committed to protecting the legal rights of its students but did not provide further details. The New York Civil Liberties Union condemned the arrest as unlawful and retaliatory, labeling it an abuse of immigration law aimed at silencing political dissent.
Trump Administration Actions Against Columbia University
Khalil’s arrest follows the Trump administration’s decision to cancel $400 million in government contracts and grants to Columbia University. The administration cited concerns over antisemitic harassment on campus. Columbia has disciplined numerous pro-Palestinian students and staff, but critics argue that these actions have not been enough to appease the government’s demands.
Reactions from Fellow Students
Maryam Alwan, a Palestinian American senior at Columbia, expressed shock over Khalil’s arrest and warned that it may signal further crackdowns on Palestinian activism. The Student Workers of Columbia union criticized the university for allowing immigration agents onto campus, arguing that it compromises the rights of international students.
Legal and Political Implications
Khalil’s arrest raises concerns about the intersection of immigration enforcement, political activism, and free speech on college campuses. Legal challenges may arise regarding the validity of using immigration law as a tool for political suppression. Meanwhile, the incident underscores the broader tensions surrounding U.S. policy on Israel and Palestine, as well as the growing pressure on universities to manage campus activism.
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