NEW YORK — A leading Palestinian activist, Mahmoud Khalil, known for his role in Columbia University’s student encampment movement, was detained by federal immigration authorities on Saturday night. His attorney reported that officials claimed the arrest was based on a State Department order to revoke his green card.
Khalil was taken into custody at his university apartment, located near Columbia’s Manhattan campus, by multiple Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, as confirmed by his attorney.
According to the attorney, ICE agents communicated via phone that they were following a State Department directive to cancel Khalil’s student visa. After being informed that Khalil is a permanent resident with a green card, they stated that they were revoking that as well.
This incident occurs amidst heightened tensions surrounding the protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza. The federal administration has been vocal about its intention to deport foreign students and target “agitators” involved in campus demonstrations. Recently, it was announced that Columbia University would face a reduction of $400 million in grants due to allegations of failing to address antisemitism on campus.
Khalil’s wife, who is currently eight months pregnant, was reportedly not provided information regarding his detention. Khalil has since been moved to an immigration detention facility in New Jersey.
His attorney described the situation as a significant escalation, referencing the administration’s previous threats against protestors.
A representative from Columbia University stated that law enforcement must present a warrant to access university property but did not disclose whether a warrant had been obtained for Khalil’s arrest.
Attempts to receive statements from the State Department, Department of Homeland Security, and immigration authorities were made.
Khalil emerged as a prominent figure in the pro-Palestinian movement at Columbia, taking on a leadership role during campus protests. He previously expressed determination for the protests to persist, stating, “As long as Columbia continues to invest in Israeli apartheid, the students will continue to resist.”
