Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian -born Algerian citizen, was arrested by the American Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Saturday in a Columbia University apartment in Upper Manhattan, New York City.
The recent graduate of the University’s School of International and Public Affairs, Khalil has been an important figure in pro -Palestinian activity in Columbia, including the Gaza Solidarity camp.
In 2024, as part of a widespread protest against Israeli attacks in Palestine, supporters of Palestinian supporters across the United States were supportive of supporters. The camp was a key component of the student -led movement, demanding that universities be separated from Israeli -backed companies.
Khalil, a legal permanent resident of the United States, has been a prominent figure in these movements.
His arrest has given rise to massive anger, raising questions about free speech, immigration policies and targeting workers.
The growing tension on campus protests and the crackdown on the Trump administration made Khalil’s activity a significant target on which he is considered “anti -American” activities.
Why was Khalil detained?
Khalil’s arrest took place after an Executive Order by US President Donald Trump targets the college campus “Pro Terrorist, Anti -Semitic, Anti -US activity”.
“We know that there are more students in Colombia and other universities across the country who are engaged in supporters, anti -sectic, anti -US activity, and the Trump administration will not tolerate it,” he said.
Authorities initially tried to cancel Khalil’s visa, but later found out that he was a permanent resident and went to ban his green card, as well as Homeland Security accused him of “connecting” Palestinian group Hamas.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio Defense The move said: “It is an honor to come to the United States on a visa, not the right,” and Khalil has been accused of supporting Hamas.
Trump described Khalil’s detention as the “first arrest of many people”, which indicated a wider crackdown on Palestinian pro -activity.
In addition, Trump has targeted Columbia University, and has raised the question whether he has done a lot of work to stop it, which he describes as an anticic events. Earlier this month, his administration canceled the company 400 million in federal grants and contracts.
The judicial process
Khalil was first detained in New Jersey before he was shifted to the Lasalian detention center in Louisiana, known for his immigration residents.
A federal judge temporarily stopped his deportation on Monday. Judge like Farman ordered that Khalil be removed from the United States until further judicial proceedings, and the need to maintain jurisdiction on the matter was emphasized.
During a hearing on Wednesday, Farman also approved Khalil’s access to his legal team after raising concerns about limited communication.
A separate hearing schedule is scheduled for March 27 in the immigration court to determine the authenticity of Khalil’s green card status.
Lawyers from the Department of Justice argued to move the matter out of New York, suggesting New Jersey or Louisiana as alternative places.
Reacting to the detention
Khalil’s arrest has widely condemned human rights organizations, lawmakers and activists.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) described the detention as “extraordinary, illegal and non -American”, which accused the government of targeting people for their political views.
Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Again Columard, described the arrest as a “deep shock” and a violation of basic US values, including freedom of expression.
The United Nations also emphasized the importance of maintaining the right to a peaceful assembly and free speech.
Lawmakers, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Representatives Rashida compilation, Alan Omar and Aina Permane, have condemned the detention.
Sanders termed it an illegal attempt to suppress political differences, while 14 members of the Congress signed a letter demanding the release of Khalil, in which his arrest was called a “direct attack on freedom of expression”.
After more than a thousand protesters gathered in New York City on Monday, protests have begun throughout the United States to condemn the arrest as political persecution.
Demonstrators criticized the administration’s efforts to silence disagreements, saying that “the United States is enforcing many laws and executive orders to prevent us from expressing our opinion, defending human rights by defense of Palestinians.”
During a visit to Albani, the capital of the New York state, Trump’s border Tom Hoon also suffered a protest. Demonstrators, including Zoharan Madani, a member of the Assembly, criticized the role of Haman in implementing strict immigration policies and Khalil’s detention.
“Do you believe in the first amendment?” Mamadani screamed in the homan.
On Thursday, hundreds of workers began a sit -in at the Trump Tower in New York City, resulting in close to 100 arrests.
Widely implications
Khalil’s case has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate on free speech, immigration and national security.
Critics say the Trump administration is using immigration enforcement to target political opponents and especially to suppress activity on the college campus. In this case, the administration’s widespread efforts to restrict Palestinian supporters have been highlighted, which has increased the response to the Israeli war against Gaza. More than 48,500 people, mostly killed women and children, and left the enclave in ruins with allegations of genocide.
The result of its case can set an example of how the US government handles similar situations in the future, which have important implications for free speech and immigration policy.
In the meantime, Khalil is in custody, his wife, an American citizen, who is pregnant for eight months, and is separated from facing an uncertain future.
Palestinian protesters staged a rally outside the Thorgid Marshal Court House in support of Mahmoud Khalil, where hearing on Khalil’s arrest in New York City on March 12 is underway.
