Protests Erupt at Columbia University Following Arrest of…

Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian Columbia University graduate and activist, was arrested by ICE amid protests on campus. His apprehension ties into the Trump administration’s crackdown on individuals connected to Hamas. Khalil, facing deportation threats, has sparked controversy and calls for action from supporters advocating for his rights and legal representation.

Columbia University is currently witnessing protests following the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student and activist who has been involved in organizing campus demonstrations. His arrest by ICE officials occurred against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s policy to revoke green cards and visas for individuals deemed supporters of Hamas.

Khalil was apprehended at his university-owned residence on Saturday night. Although he is a permanent resident holding a green card, his involvement in anti-Israel protests led to his detention at an immigration facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey. His attorney, Amy Greer, reported that ICE agents also threatened to detain his wife, who is pregnant and an American citizen.

Greer revealed that during the arrest, an ICE agent indicated Khalil’s visa and green card were being revoked per State Department directives. Secretary of State Marco Rubio supported this notion, stating the administration would act against individuals supporting Hamas in America. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security claimed Khalil lost his rights to remain in the U.S. due to alleged affiliations with Hamas.

Born in Syria in 1995, Khalil moved to the U.S. and is a graduate of Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs. Actively engaging in campus activism, he negotiated on behalf of students during protests last spring. His visibility in the pro-Palestinian movement has invited scrutiny and calls for deportation by pro-Israel advocates.

Khalil is reportedly under investigation by a newly established office within Columbia University that sanctioned numerous students for their pro-Palestinian activities. Allegations against him include organizing unauthorized events celebrating Hamas’ actions and spreading anti-Zionist sentiments through social media.

This incident marks the first noted effort under President Trump’s recent directives to deport individuals associated with Hamas sympathies on college campuses. Trump’s decision also involved revoking substantial federal grants aimed at Columbia University ostensibly for neglecting harassment claims from Jewish students.

Columbia University has issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to legal compliance and support for its student community. Khalil’s attorney pledged to advocate for his rights in court, condemning the circumstances of his arrest as unjust and calculated.

Protests are scheduled, with organizers calling for public support to demand Khalil’s release. Following this, a press conference involving Columbia and Barnard faculty members will address the ongoing situation and critique the ICE detention.

In summary, Mahmoud Khalil’s arrest has ignited significant protests at Columbia University, highlighting tensions surrounding U.S. immigration policy as it relates to Palestinian activism. Khalil’s situation illustrates the complexities of activism, immigration rights, and governmental policies under the current administration. With ongoing efforts to secure his release, Khalil’s case has garnered considerable attention, raising questions about the protection of students’ rights and the repercussions of political affiliations in academic settings.

Original Source: www.fox5ny.com