Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student at Columbia University, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on Saturday, March 8, 2025, as part of the Trump administration’s intensified efforts against anti-Israel activists. Khalil, a lawful permanent resident, was detained at his university-owned apartment, where he resided with his wife, who is eight months pregnant.
Khalil has been a prominent figure in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, serving as a lead negotiator and organizer. His activism has drawn federal attention, with the Department of Homeland Security alleging his involvement in activities aligned with Hamas, a designated terrorist organization by the U.S. government.
The arrest has sparked criticism from civil rights organizations, including the New York Civil Liberties Union, which condemned the detention as an attack on free speech and political expression. Donna Lieberman, the group’s executive director, described the arrest as “a frightening escalation of Trump’s crackdown on pro-Palestine speech, and an aggressive abuse of immigration law.”
In the days leading up to Khalil’s arrest, the Trump administration announced the cancellation of approximately $400 million in federal funding to Columbia University, citing alleged antisemitic harassment on campus. The university has expressed its commitment to addressing federal concerns while supporting the legal rights of its students.
Khalil’s lawyer, Amy Greer, reported difficulties in locating her client following his detention, raising concerns about the transparency of the process. As of Sunday evening, Khalil’s exact whereabouts remained uncertain, with reports suggesting he could be held in a detention center as far away as Louisiana.
This incident represents a significant escalation in the administration’s efforts to suppress campus activism perceived as anti-Israel, prompting debates over the balance between national security and the protection of civil liberties.
