Palestinian Activist Leading Columbia Protests Detained by ICE, Lawyer Reports

A leading figure in the pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University was apprehended by federal immigration officials on Saturday evening in New York City. Officials say his green card revocation was directed by the State Department, according to his legal counsel.

Mahmoud Khalil was in his residence, near Columbia's campus, when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers entered and detained him, as relayed by his attorney, Amy Greer, to the Associated Press.

An ICE agent explained via phone to Greer that a State Department directive was to cancel Khalil's student visa. Upon learning from Greer that Khalil, who graduated last December, was residing in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident, the agent claimed they were also nullifying his green card.

Columbia University Faces Federal Scrutiny Amidst Campus Protests

Khalil's arrest follows President Trump's recent statements targeting college protests, particularly emphasizing opposition towards rallies against Israel's military actions in Gaza. Columbia University has come under specific observation for allegedly not effectively addressing antisemitism, as per government sources.

The authorities did not provide Khalil's wife, who is heavily pregnant, with reasons for his detention. He has since been relocated to a New Jersey immigration center. Greer noted, "We lack furtherinformation on his detention, which marks a serious escalation and follows administrative threats."

ICE Presence Noted in and Around Columbia University

A spokesperson for Columbia highlighted the legal requirement for law enforcement to have a warrant to access university premises. Discussions on whether a warrant was issued for Khalil’s detention remain unresolved.

Columbia's official statements reiterated, "There have been reports of ICE near campus precincts. Adhering to legal precedents, entry into non-public university areas demands a judicial warrant. Columbia remains steadfast in upholding legal duties and supporting its campus community."

Efforts to seek comments from the State Department, Department of Homeland Security, and ICE resulted in no response.

Khalil was a prominent advocate for the Palestinian cause at Columbia. As protest encampments emerged on campus the previous spring, Khalil was appointed to negotiate with university leaders.

Upon resuming classes in September, Khalil told the Associated Press, "Protests will persist as long as Columbia profits from Israeli apartheid, reinforcing student resistance."