The White House has pressured Columbia University to aid in deporting pro-Palestinian activists, following Mahmoud Khalil’s arrest. President Trump has vowed further deportations amidst claims of antisemitism against demonstrators. Columbia faces $400 million loss in federal funding due to perceived inaction against antisemitism, while Khalil’s deportation case raises concerns over free speech and civil rights.

The White House has expressed dissatisfaction with Columbia University’s refusal to assist federal agents in locating individuals tied to pro-Palestinian demonstrations as part of a broader initiative to deport participants. Following the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a legal resident and prominent activist, President Donald Trump has pledged further actions against similar demonstrators. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated that intelligence is being utilized to identify others the administration views as supportive of Hamas and antisemitic.

Columbia University’s Interim President Katrina Armstrong addressed the situation in a letter to students, asserting the university’s commitment to complying with the law while denying allegations that university leadership invited U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to campus. The Trump administration recently announced a withdrawal of $400 million in federal support from Columbia, stemming from accusations of the university’s failure to curb antisemitism.

Protests at Columbia last spring highlighted students’ demands for an end to Israeli actions in Gaza, and Khalil served as a spokesperson during these events. Authorities have taken steps to deport Khalil under immigration laws that allow for removal based on potential foreign policy repercussions, despite him not having been charged with any crime. Civil rights groups argue this tactic infringes on free speech rights.

Khalil’s situation has garnered national attention, particularly amidst Trump’s assertions that many protesters are engaging in anti-American activities linked to terrorism. Citing significant casualties in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the administration remains resolute in targeting activists like Khalil, who contends that the protests are fundamentally anti-war.

The university community is witnessing heightened tensions as immigration agents have sought to detain further individuals, exacerbating concerns regarding civil liberties. Khalil, who is completing a master’s degree at Columbia, faces potential deportation while his wife prepares for their first child, emphasizing the personal stakes entwined with political actions surrounding his case.

The ongoing situation at Columbia University highlights the intersection between immigration enforcement and political activism, particularly in regard to pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The White House’s pressure on the university reflects broader national tensions surrounding these issues, particularly in light of recent events in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As Columbia navigates this complex landscape, the implications for civil rights, freedom of expression, and university governance are profound and warrant close attention.

Original Source: apnews.com

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