Last Updated on 1 month by Ashley Michael
A Palestinian activist, Mahmoud Khalil, was arrested by ICE agents at his Columbia University-owned apartment on Saturday night. Khalil, a former graduate student and leader of anti-Israel protests at Columbia and Barnard College,
Mahmoud Khalil faces the revocation of his student visa and green card under President Trump’s crackdown on campus unrest. His lawyer, Amy Greer, confirmed the arrest, stating that ICE agents entered his residence and took him into custody according NY post
Khalil, who graduated from Columbia in December, was a key figure in student-led protests, including last spring’s encampment demonstrations and last week’s takeover of Barnard College’s Milstein Library. He served as a political affairs officer with UNRWA,
The UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees, and led the student group Apartheid Divest. Despite graduating, Khalil remained active in organizing disruptive actions, vowing to escalate protests until Columbia divests from Israeli interests.
Columbia University issued a statement following the arrest, emphasizing its commitment to complying with legal obligations while protecting its students.
The Columbia university clarified that law enforcement must have a judicial warrant to enter non-public areas on campus. Khalil’s arrest comes amid heightened tensions,
As Trump recently announced plans to cut $400 million in federal funding to Columbia due to its handling of campus protests and alleged noncompliance with anti-discrimination laws.
Khalil’s arrest underscores the ongoing debate over free speech, activism, and immigration policies on college campuses. His case has drawn national attention, with critics accusing the administration of targeting foreign students for their political views.
Khalil had previously expressed concerns about losing his visa due to his activism, but his suspension during last year’s protests was quickly reversed. Now, his future in the U.S. remains uncertain as ICE enforces Trump’s pledge to deport foreign “agitators.”