A spokesperson from the US’s homeland security department, along with the nation’s top diplomat, has confirmed the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil. Khalil, a graduate student at Columbia University who led protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza this past December, now faces detention. Tricia McLaughlin, spokesperson for the homeland security department, confirmed Khalil’s arrest via a statement to the Associated Press, stating it was in support of President Donald Trump’s presidential orders “prohibiting antisemitism.” The department accused Khalil’s activism of aligning with Hamas activities.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also confirmed the arrest, stating that visas and green cards of Hamas supporters in the US would be revoked to facilitate deportation. Khalil had previously served as lead negotiator for the Gaza solidarity encampment at Columbia University. According to Zeteo, his attorneys do not know his current detention location, with his US citizen wife, who is eight months pregnant, unable to visit him at an immigration detention center in New Jersey upon being told he was not there.

Despite holding a green card and being a permanent US resident, Khalil was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). When asked for a warrant, the ICE agents reportedly hung up the phone.

In response to Khalil’s detention, Jewish Voices for Peace released a statement condemning the action as an attempt to instill fear in students advocating for Palestinian freedom and immigrant communities, labeling it as a “fascist playbook.”

President Trump has expressed his intention to deport foreign students and individuals involved in protests on US college and university campuses. The second Trump administration has specifically targeted Columbia University, recently canceling $400 million in grants over claims of insufficient efforts to combat antisemitism.

Beter USA, a Zionist activist group, has claimed responsibility for releasing Khalil’s name to the Trump administration and praised his detention. However, the Anti-Defamation League has listed the group as a hate group.

Critics argue that the arrest is unconstitutional and sends a “deplorable message” that freedom of speech is no longer protected in America. Murad Awawdeh, president and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition, stated that the Trump administration is willing to ignore the law to instill fear and further its agenda. He called for Khalil’s immediate release.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/10/palestinian-activist-columbia-arrest-ice