Trump Warns of Crackdown on College Protests Following Arrest of Activist Khalil

President Trump has indicated that the arrest of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil is the first in a series of actions against student protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. He condemned what he calls “pro-terrorist” activities and announced measures to deport alleged supporters of terrorism. Khalil’s lawyer has criticized the arrest as politically motivated, with the ACLU condemning the government’s actions as a violation of free speech rights.

President Trump stated on Monday that the recent arrest of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil by federal immigration authorities marks the beginning of a crackdown on student protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza. He emphasized that his administration will not condone what he labeled as “pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic, anti-American” activities occurring on college campuses nationwide, asserting that participation in such protests is driven by “paid agitators” instead of genuine student involvement.

In a post on Truth Social, President Trump remarked, “We will find, apprehend, and deport these terrorist sympathizers from our country—never to return again,” underscoring his administration’s commitment to deporting individuals he deems supportive of terrorism. He expressed expectations for all American colleges and universities to adhere to this stance following Khalil’s arrest, which he described as the first of many.

Khalil’s arrest followed his prior involvement in protests at Columbia University against the war in Gaza. His lawyer, Amy Greer, reported that Khalil was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, who claimed his student visa had been revoked, although Khalil is a green card holder. Greer filed a petition challenging Khalil’s arrest, asserting that immigration officials threatened to detain his pregnant wife as well.

The Department of Homeland Security justified Khalil’s arrest by referencing President Trump’s executive orders aimed at prohibiting anti-Semitism, alleging Khalil participated in activities associated with Hamas. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced intentions to revoke visas of individuals supporting Hamas, thus facilitating their deportation from the U.S. Khalil remains detained at the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center.

Following widespread protests at universities regarding the conflict, Trump implemented measures addressing incidents of anti-Semitism and student activism. His administration issued an executive order threatening to revoke visas of “Hamas sympathizers” and instructed the Justice Department to investigate anti-Jewish racism on college campuses. Investigations into five universities, including Columbia, have commenced, and the Trump administration has announced plans to withhold $400 million in federal funding from Columbia for its perceived inaction on these issues.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) condemned Khalil’s arrest as “unprecedented, illegal and un-American,” urging for his immediate release and return to New York. The director of the ACLU’s Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project criticized the government’s actions as a violation of the First Amendment, asserting they represent an intention to intimidate and suppress opposing viewpoints in the ongoing public debate.

In summary, the arrest of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil signifies a broader initiative by the Trump administration to address protests against Israel on college campuses. The government is taking a firm stance against student activism that it perceives as supportive of terrorism, threatening deportation and the revocation of academic privileges. This event has sparked significant criticism regarding civil rights and the freedom of speech, highlighting tense national discourse surrounding the conflict in Gaza.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com