World Immigration News

Palestinian activist who aided Columbia University protests arrested by US immigration agents

Release Date: 2025-03-09
Media: Voice of America
Summary: Federal immigration authorities arrested Palestinian graduate student Mahmoud Khalil, who was involved in last spring's anti-Israel protests at Columbia University. Khalil, a permanent resident with a green card, was taken into custody by ICE agents at his university residence in Manhattan. His student visa and green card were revoked, allegedly under orders from the U.S. State Department. This action appears to be part of the Trump administration's efforts to deport international students involved in pro-Palestinian protests, which the administration associates with support for Hamas.

Khalil had played a key role in negotiations between students and university officials regarding the protests. His arrest is seen as part of broader actions targeting students critical of Israel, especially at Columbia University, which has faced scrutiny from the government for not addressing antisemitism on campus. Khalil's lawyer, Amy Greer, described the arrest as an escalation and noted that no criminal charges were specified.
Tags: USA

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