Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian leader of anti-Israel protests at Columbia University, has been arrested by ICE, potentially jeopardizing his student visa and green card. His protests have included distributing Hamas propaganda, raising concerns about campus safety and antisemitism. Local leaders are calling for swift disciplinary actions, while Khalil’s supporters label the arrest as racist targeting against pro-Palestine activists.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and leader of Columbia University’s anti-Israel protests. According to his lawyer, Amy Greer, Khalil’s arrest could lead to the revocation of his student visa and green card as part of the Trump administration’s initiatives against campus unrest. Khalil lived in university-owned housing after graduating last December, which is permitted under campus policies aimed at supporting recent graduates.

Khalil has been actively involved in various protests, including a recent occupation of the Milstein Library at Barnard College, where he was seen with a bullhorn and interacting with university administration. The protest featured propaganda materials attributed to Hamas, justifying the recent attack on Israel. This event was marked by attendees distributing flyers glorifying violent figures and organizations, sparking outrage from campus Jewish associations and leaders.

Columbia University expressed its intentions not to cooperate with ICE’s actions except where legally mandated, emphasizing the need for a judicial warrant for any law enforcement to enter university premises. Despite earlier warnings, student protests escalated, resulting in violent confrontations between demonstrators and security personnel.

Khalil’s detention has prompted significant public outcry. His supporters decried the action as an act of racism targeting pro-Palestine activists, launching a petition for his release that has gathered over 349,000 signatures. Local leaders, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, condemned the protests and urged for disciplinary actions against involved students.

Earlier, Khalil had assured that student organizers would persist in their resistance against perceived Israeli oppression at Columbia. His statements indicated a commitment to increasing protest activities, which has raised concerns about campus safety and the influence of extremist ideologies among students. Khalil’s arrest occurred amidst heightened scrutiny of Columbia’s handling of antisemitism allegations, correlating with the administration’s recent threats to revoke federal grants for noncompliance with discrimination laws.

The arrest of Mahmoud Khalil by ICE raises significant discussions regarding the intersection of immigration enforcement and student activism on U.S. campuses. It highlights the complexities surrounding free speech, the activities of pro-Palestinian activists, and the response from educational institutions amidst legal and social pressures. Khalil’s case illustrates the ongoing tensions within academic environments, particularly regarding policies surrounding antisemitism and the broader implications for foreign students engaged in political protest.

Original Source: nypost.com

Related posts:

Columbia University Student Activist Detained Amidst Immigration Controversy ICE Arrests Palestinian Activist at Columbia University Amid Controversy Mahmoud Khalil: Columbia Graduate Arrested Amid Pro-Palestinian Activism Trump Administration Withdraws $400 Million from Columbia University Over Anti-Semitism Concerns