Arrest of Columbia Activist Mahmoud Khalil Sparks Protests and Legal Battle Over Deportation

Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and graduate student at Columbia University, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, prompting widespread protests and raising concerns over free speech rights. Khalil, a lawful permanent resident holding a green card and married to a U.S. citizen, was detained at his New York residence, as his eight-month pregnant wife, Noor Abdalla, looked on. The arrest is part of the Trump administration's intensified efforts against what it describes as 'sympathizers of terrorists' on American campuses. President Donald Trump stated that Khalil's arrest is 'the first of many to come,' signaling a crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism. Khalil was a prominent leader of protests at Columbia University against Israel's actions in Gaza in the previous year. A federal judge in New York has temporarily blocked Khalil's deportation and scheduled a court hearing to review the legality of his detention. Khalil's legal team argues that his arrest violates his First Amendment rights and that he is being targeted for his political activism. Meanwhile, government officials assert that they have the authority to revoke visas or green cards of individuals deemed adversarial to U.S. foreign policy or national security interests. Students and activists across the nation have organized protests and walkouts at universities including Columbia, New York University, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and Stanford, demanding Khalil's immediate release. Civil rights groups express concern that his case sets a dangerous precedent for free speech and the rights of immigrant activists. Khalil's wife has called for his release, stating that her husband was 'kidnapped' and that his detention is a 'frontal attack on free speech.' High-profile figures such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and House Speaker Mike Johnson have defended the arrest, emphasizing the government's right to revoke residency status of those opposing U.S. policy. Legal experts warn that Khalil's case could have far-reaching implications for lawful permanent residents and the expression of dissenting political views in the United States.