A Palestinian student activist at Columbia University has been detained by immigration authorities, drawing attention to federal actions against international student protesters. Mahmoud Khalil, who led anti-Israel demonstrations at Columbia last spring, was apprehended at his Manhattan residence, according to his attorney, Amy Greer. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents executed the order from the State Department to revoke Khalil’s student visa. Although originally from Syria, Khalil held permanent legal residency in the United States. However, ICE also moved to revoke his green card, which Greer noted is unusual without a serious criminal charge, given the rigorous vetting green-card holders undergo as part of their path to U.S. citizenship.
Columbia University responded to the incident, affirming their adherence to federal laws while expressing support for their students’ legal rights. “Columbia is committed to complying with all legal obligations and supporting our student body and campus community,” the statement read. “We are also committed to the legal rights of our students and urge all members of the community to be respectful of those rights.”
This action is seen as aligning with President Donald Trump’s administration policies targeting international students participating in anti-Israel protests. Some Jewish students had reported experiences of harassment and assault during last spring’s protests. In a related move, the Trump administration recently withdrew $400 million in federal funding from Columbia, part of broader sanctions against academic institutions allegedly failing to combat antisemitism on campuses. The administration warned of potential further consequences for such institutions.
The detention of Khalil highlights ongoing tensions over free speech and protest activities within academic environments. Critics argue these efforts undermine constitutional rights. Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition, condemned the actions in a statement. “This blatantly unconstitutional act sends a deplorable message that freedom of speech is no longer protected in America,” Awawdeh stated.
These developments have sparked conversations about the balance between national security, immigration reforms, and the preservation of free speech on campus. With heightened scrutiny on academic institutions and their handling of sensitive geopolitical discourse, universities are navigating a complex landscape of legal obligations and advocacy for their students’ rights.
Readers following this story can explore further updates on bloomberg.com and stay informed about emerging policies and their impact on students and academic institutions. As the situation unfolds, the implications for international students and universities in the U.S. remain a pressing concern.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/us-news/immigration-officials-detain-palestinian-activist-student-11741559729898.html
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Publish Date: 2025-03-10 04:05:00
