Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, a leader in Columbia University’s pro-Palestinian encampment movement, on Saturday night. According to Khalil’s attorney, Amy Greer, the arrest was based on claims that his student visa had been revoked. However, Greer stated that Khalil is in the United States on a green card, not a student visa.
Despite informing ICE agents about his legal status, Khalil was detained. Greer also reported that during a phone call regarding his detention, ICE agents disconnected the call.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, confirmed Khalil’s arrest on Sunday, citing President Donald Trump’s executive orders prohibiting anti-Semitism. According to McLaughlin, Khalil was detained due to his alleged alignment with Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, while leading campus activities. She stated that ICE and the Department of State are committed to enforcing the executive orders and ensuring national security.
Secretary of State Marc Rubio also commented on the situation, stating that the U.S. government would revoke the visas and green cards of individuals supporting Hamas to facilitate their deportation.
Greer has challenged the arrest by filing a habeas corpus petition, arguing that Khalil’s detention is unlawful. However, she stated that his current whereabouts are unknown. His wife, who is eight months pregnant and a U.S. citizen, was unable to locate him at an ICE facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where he was reportedly transferred. There is speculation that he may have been moved to Louisiana.
Greer criticized the arrest, alleging that the U.S. government is using immigration enforcement as a tool to suppress political speech, particularly targeting student activists at Columbia University for their criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The arrest occurred shortly after President Trump posted on social media warning that universities allowing “illegal protests” would lose federal funding and that agitators would either be imprisoned or deported.
Columbia University responded by reaffirming its legal obligations, stating that ICE must have a judicial warrant to enter non-public university areas. The university reiterated its commitment to supporting its student body while complying with the law.
