Inside the Fight: Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia Protester Targeted by ICE for Deportation

President Trump has indicated that Mahmoud Khalil’s recent arrest marks the “first arrest of many” amid his administration’s crackdown on dissent against U.S. policy regarding the Gaza conflict.

NEW YORK — Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist who was instrumental in student protests at Columbia University, faces deportation following his apprehension by federal immigration agents over the weekend. His case has drawn significant attention, especially after a federal judge issued a temporary halt to his removal from the country.

Khalil was detained on Saturday night as he and his wife returned to their apartment in Manhattan. U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials informed the couple that they were arresting him due to the alleged revocation of his student visa.

Despite his wife presenting evidence of his status as a green card holder, the agents maintained that this status was also rescinded, leading to Khalil’s detention in handcuffs, according to legal filings challenging the circumstances of his arrest.

The Department of Homeland Security has stated that Khalil’s deportation stems from allegations that he engaged in activities supportive of Hamas, classified as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. The White House emphasized this stance, asserting that the administration will not tolerate individuals who embrace pro-terrorist narratives while benefiting from the privilege of studying in the U.S.

Khalil’s attorney, Samah Sisay, countered these claims, asserting that there is no substantive evidence linking Khalil to terrorist support. “This case sets a precedent to intimidate others from expressing dissent,” Sisay declared, clarifying that opposing government foreign policy should not warrant deportation.

Khalil, born in Syria to Palestinian grandparents, came to the U.S. on a student visa in 2022. He married a U.S. citizen in 2023 and became a legal permanent resident last year.

Legally, it is possible for green card holders to face deportation; however, the government must substantiate claims of deportability. Grounds for deportation can include a variety of criminal convictions, though the criteria extend beyond criminal conduct, particularly in cases involving material support for designated terrorist groups. Experts indicate that even minor actions, like providing basic necessities, could lead to deportation.

Currently, Khalil is being held at a federal immigration detention facility in Louisiana, approximately 170 miles from New Orleans. The facility, which has been criticized for its isolation and limited access to legal resources, can accommodate over 1,100 detainees.

A Manhattan federal judge temporarily blocked Khalil’s deportation, with a hearing regarding his legal challenge scheduled for later this week. Khalil is also set to appear in immigration court in Louisiana soon. His legal team argues that the government’s actions infringe upon Khalil’s rights as a permanent resident and violate First Amendment protections concerning free speech. They have requested his return to New York, citing the impending birth of their child.

In a poignant statement, Khalil’s wife, who is expecting, urged public support to reunite with her husband during this critical time.