World Immigration News

Nationwide protests planned after arrest of former Columbia University activist by immigration authorities

Release Date: 2025-03-15
Media: NBC News
Summary: Nationwide protests are planned after Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student activist, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Khalil, an Algerian citizen of Palestinian descent, was a leader of pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University. His arrest has sparked outrage, and protests calling for his release will take place in cities such as New York, Boston, Phoenix, Charlotte, Oklahoma City, Miami, and Indianapolis.

The Trump administration justifies Khalil's arrest by citing a foreign-policy clause allowing the deportation of individuals deemed national security threats. The Department of Homeland Security claims Khalil led activities aligned with Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. Khalil is challenging his deportation, stating his arrest was a retaliatory action for his constitutionally protected speech.

A federal judge temporarily blocked his deportation, and his lawyers are petitioning for his return to New York City. Khalil's wife, an American citizen, is eight months pregnant.
Tags: USA

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