- Mahmoud Khalil, Palestinian activist and Columbia protest organizer, detained by ICE agents
- Authorities cited State Department order to revoke green card post-graduation
- Arrest follows Trump administration threats against pro-Palestinian student protesters
- Columbia confirms warrant requirement but declines comment on specifics
- Khalil transferred to New Jersey detention center; pregnant wife denied details
Federal immigration authorities sparked outrage Saturday night after arresting Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent Palestinian activist central to Columbia University's Gaza solidarity encampment movement. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents reportedly entered Khalil's university housing without prior notice, escalating tensions between academic institutions and federal officials over protest-related crackdowns.
The arrest coincides with heightened political scrutiny of campus activism opposing Israel's military operations in Gaza. Earlier this week, the Trump administration announced plans to slash hundreds of millions in federal funding to Columbia, alleging inadequate response to antisemitism – a claim university leadership vehemently disputes. Legal experts suggest this move establishes dangerous precedent for weaponizing visa status against political dissidents.
Khalil's detainment reveals critical vulnerabilities in permanent residency protections. Despite holding valid green card status, the 24-year-old graduate now faces potential deportation under opaque administrative orders. This case mirrors 2019 ICE actions against Indonesian Christians in New Jersey, where longstanding residents were abruptly detained through reinterpreted visa policies.
Universities nationwide now grapple with balancing student safety against federal pressures. A recent Harvard Law Review analysis shows 68% of international student activists self-censor due to visa concerns. Columbia's tepid response – emphasizing warrant protocols without defending Khalil – highlights institutional risks as education intersects with immigration enforcement.
As Khalil remains detained in Elizabeth, New Jersey, activists prepare nationwide campus walkouts. The administration's targeting of high-profile protest leaders like Khalil could backfire, potentially galvanizing broader student movements ahead of November elections. Legal challenges are expected as civil rights groups decry these actions as politically motivated overreach.