Detention of Palestinian Activist at Columbia University Sparks Controversy

Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student activist at Columbia University, was detained by ICE at his residence, with intentions to revoke his student visa and green card. This arrest is part of a broader federal initiative against anti-Israel protestors. The Trump administration has also ceased significant funding to Columbia University in response to allegations of anti-Semitism on campus. Legal advocates are contesting Khalil’s detention, asserting it undermines constitutional rights.

Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student activist at Columbia University known for leading anti-Israel protests, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials at his residence in Manhattan. His attorney, Amy Greer, confirmed that ICE acted on orders from the State Department, intending to revoke Khalil’s student visa and his green card, despite Khalil being a permanent legal resident with roots in Syria.

The situation surrounding Khalil’s detention is notable, as arrests of green card holders without serious criminal offenses are uncommon. Revocation of a green card typically involves a lengthy process, given that the individual has already undergone extensive vetting, making them eligible for U.S. citizenship.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the intention to revoke visas and green cards for individuals supporting Hamas, sharing this plan on social media alongside a link to the Associated Press article. Columbia University expressed its commitment to following federal law while supporting student rights, urging community respect for these legal rights.

Khalil’s arrest is perceived as a manifestation of federal authorities fulfilling President Donald Trump’s promise to deport international students involved in anti-Israel protests. The Department of Homeland Security articulated that the arrest was “in support” of executive orders addressing anti-Semitism, citing that Khalil had led pro-Hamas activities, which are classified as terrorist.

Moreover, in a move perceived as punitive toward Columbia, the Trump administration terminated $400 million in federal grants, signifying potential further actions against institutions perceived to inadequately confront anti-Semitism. The New York Immigration Coalition’s President, Murad Awawdeh, condemned Khalil’s detention as a violation of constitutional rights concerning freedom of speech.

The detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist at Columbia University, underscores the U.S. government’s intensified stance against international students participating in anti-Israel protests. As ICE pursues visa revocations, the legal implications for Khalil suggest a broader trend influencing student activism and free speech. The involvement of federal authorities and the revocation of grants illustrate the complex intersection of immigration policy, national security, and civil liberties in the United States.

Original Source: www.business-standard.com