Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and former Columbia University student, is detained in immigration custody in Louisiana after ICE revoked his visa. His arrest follows a backdrop of federal actions against universities amid accusations of antisemitism. Protests at Columbia have sparked controversy while highlighting the rights of immigrants involved in activism.

Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent pro-Palestinian activist and former Columbia University student, is currently in immigration custody in Louisiana, according to recent records. His detention occurred following his arrest at his university-owned apartment in Manhattan, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents informed him of the revocation of his student visa and green card, as conveyed by his attorney.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Mr. Khalil had led activities resembling support for Hamas. This follows the Trump administration’s announcement to rescind $400 million in federal grants to Columbia University, alleging the institution’s failure to address antisemitism on campus. Mr. Khalil was initially held in New Jersey before being transferred to a facility in Jena, Louisiana, where his wife attempted to visit him.

His attorney, Amy Greer, emphasized that Mr. Khalil is a legal permanent resident married to an American citizen who is eight months pregnant. Reports indicate that during the ICE raid, agents also threatened to arrest his wife. Columbia University confirmed that law enforcement can access campus facilities with a warrant.

In a related development, Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared a news article regarding Mr. Khalil’s arrest, stating intentions to revoke the visas of Hamas supporters in the United States. Furthermore, Columbia University was a focal point of pro-Palestinian protests amid the recent Gaza conflict, which resulted in significant unrest.

Mr. Khalil played a key role in organizing protests against the Gaza war, where demonstrators set up encampments and temporarily occupied buildings, though he was not arrested during that specific operation. He later mentioned a temporary suspension from the university, where he was pursuing graduate studies.

Though some Columbia students expressed that the protests sometimes crossed into antisemitism, others participated in supporting pro-Palestinian causes. President Trump has vowed to end federal funding for universities allowing such protests, suggesting consequences for those who break immigration laws. Legal experts note that detaining lawful permanent residents is uncommon, especially targeting individuals solely for exercising their right to protest.

The heightened tensions arose from the Israeli military’s response to Hamas’ unprecedented attack on October 7, 2023, with significant casualties reported on both sides. Recent statistics claim over 48,000 Palestinian deaths resulting from the ongoing military actions in Gaza, reflecting the severe human toll of the conflict.

In summary, the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia student, underscores the complex intersection of immigration law and political protest in the current climate. With the involvement of federal authorities and accusations of antisemitism, the situation raises questions about the rights of permanent residents engaged in political activism. The ongoing conflict and governmental responses further amplify these issues, reflecting broader societal tensions.

Original Source: www.bbc.com

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