Columbia University Student Activist Mahmoud Khalil Detained by ICE

Columbia University student activist Mahmoud Khalil was detained by ICE officials due to the revocation of his student visa and green card. His attorney, Amy Greer, plans to challenge these actions legally. This incident reflects federal efforts to deport students involved in anti-Israel protests and raises significant concerns regarding free speech and civil liberties.

Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student activist at Columbia University known for leading anti-Israel protests in Spring 2023, was recently taken into custody by immigration authorities. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials entered his residence in a university-owned building in Manhattan, detaining him based on orders from the State Department that necessitated the revocation of his student visa, as reported by his attorney, Amy Greer.

Khalil, who is originally from Syria and is a permanent legal resident, also faces the revocation of his green card. Greer has expressed her intent to vigorously defend Khalil’s rights in court, labeling the actions against him as a “terrible and inexcusable – and calculated – wrong.”

The detainment of a green card holder typically occurs under serious criminal allegations. Revoking a green card usually involves a lengthy legal process due to prior vetting necessary for the holder’s path to U.S. citizenship. This incident has raised concerns given the unusual nature of such an arrest without criminal charges.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on social media that the visas or green cards of individuals supporting Hamas would be revoked for deportation. He linked his statement to an article by the Associated Press reporting the arrest. Columbia University has affirmed its commitment to comply with federal regulations while supporting its students’ legal rights.

This detention aligns with broader federal initiatives to enforce President Donald Trump’s promises aimed at deporting international students engaged in anti-Israel protests on university campuses. Reports indicate that Jewish students have faced harassment linked to these protests. A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security referred to Khalil’s activities as aligned with Hamas, a designated terrorist organization.

The Trump administration recently withdrew $400 million in federal grants from Columbia University to penalize institutions for perceived inaction against antisemitism on campuses. New York Immigration Coalition CEO Murad Awawdeh criticized these developments, proclaiming that they undermine the constitutional protection of free speech in America.

The detention of Mahmoud Khalil underscores the complexities surrounding immigration laws and free speech in the United States, especially concerning political activism by international students. This case exemplifies the tension between federal authorities and university policies, highlighting a potential chilling effect on student activism. The implications of this incident may resonate widely across academic institutions and affect the broader discourse on civil liberties and political expression.

Original Source: www.business-standard.com