ICE arrests Palestinian activist who helped lead Columbia protests, lawyer says
Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist, was arrested by federal authorities at Columbia University, raising concerns about free speech and due process amid intensified scrutiny of pro-Palestinian protests.
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Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and former Columbia University student leader, was arrested by federal immigration authorities at his university-owned apartment. His attorney, Amy Greer, reported that the agents claimed to be acting on a state department order to revoke his green card, despite Khalil being a permanent resident. This arrest coincides with the Trump administration's intensified scrutiny of foreign students involved in protests against Israel's actions in Gaza. Khalil has been a prominent figure in the pro-Palestinian movement at Columbia, where he played a key role in student protests. The university has faced criticism from the government for not adequately addressing antisemitism on campus, leading to a significant cut in federal funding. Khalil's detention has raised concerns about the administration's approach to free speech and due process, as immigration courts are the only entities authorized to revoke green cards. His case is part of a broader investigation into students expressing pro-Palestinian sentiments, with many facing disciplinary actions for their activism. Khalil's wife, who is pregnant, has not been informed of the reasons for his detention. Advocates for Khalil argue that his arrest is a violation of constitutional rights and an attempt to suppress dissenting voices.
- Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist, was arrested by ICE at Columbia University.
- His arrest is linked to the Trump administration's crackdown on foreign students protesting Israel.
- Khalil's detention raises concerns about free speech and due process rights.
- Columbia University is under scrutiny for its handling of antisemitism and student protests.
- Advocates claim the arrest is an unconstitutional act aimed at silencing dissent.
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14 commentsMost green card holders will tell you they feel like a guest in the country. Getting involved in protests and supporting organizations on the terror list etc seems rather silly...
For those who aren't familiar, habeas corpus is an incredibly important civil right that effectively allows anyone who is detained to go to court to challenge the detention. Khalil's lawyers state that after they filed for habeas corpus, ICE moved Khalil to Lousiana without telling anyone. Extremely concerning.
Yikes. Once the government has built that infrastructure and pipeline from monitoring to arrest, you think they won't use it for other kinds of dissent?
Even if that is considered settled (which, personally, I find a pretty lousy interpretation of the first amendment), it would still make this arrest and detention totally illegal, at least warranting a lawsuit, even if deportation can't be avoided.
Hopefully I'm wrong. This whole thing is so destructive to the constitution, to personal liberties, and to higher education.
I thought green cards can only be revoked in rather limited circumstances. What is he accused of?
- follow him in to his home
- refuse to identify themselves
- tell him his green card has been cancelled
- tell his wife they'll kidnap her too if she intervenes
- takes him somewhere
- won't tell anyone where he is, including his (8 month pregnant) wife and lawyer
allegedly they have done this because he's been loudly critical of the policies of a foreign government, which as everyone knows, is not a crime. as everyone also knows, random feds can't just kidnap you even if they think you have committed an actual crime.
It's not more complicated than that.
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