USA
American immigration officers arrest leader of campus anti-Israel protests
The move follows President Trump’s order to crack down on antisemitic agitation at US universities
March 10, 2025 12:11
By, Jewish News Syndicate
2 min read
The move follows President Trump’s order to crack down on antisemitic agitation at US universities
March 10, 2025 12:11ByJC Reporter, Jewish News Syndicate
A pro-Palestinian activist who led protests at New York’s Columbia University has been arrested “in support “in support of President Trump’s executive orders prohibiting antisemitism,” according to the United States’ Department of Homeland Security.
Mahmoud Khalil, who completed his graduate studies at Columbia in December, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, acting in co-ordination with the US State Department.
“Khalil led activities aligned to Hamas, a designated terrorist organisation,” the department added. “ICE and the Department of State are committed to enforcing President Trump’s executive orders and to protecting U.S. national security.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in response to an AP story on the arrest, wrote “We will be revoking the visas and/or green cards of Hamas supporters in America so they can be deported.”
According to the ICE website, a Mahmoud Khalil, who is from Syria, is in the custody at Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility in New Jersey.
Several senators supported Rubio’s statement. “Terrorist sympathisers have no place in our country,” stated Republican Senator Rick Scott from Florida.
“Who else is glad this pro-Hamas agent of antisemitism has been detained?” wrote Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah.
“So many people want to immigrate to America,” he added. “We don’t need those who support genocidal war criminals.”
“Obtaining a US visa is a privilege, not a right,” stated Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin from Oklahoma. “Friends of Hamas—don’t let the door hit you on the way out.”
Khalil’s lawyer said that he was arrested in Columbia housing at about 8:30 on Saturday night, the Columbia Spectator, a student newspaper, reported.
“The agents said they were detaining him because the State Department had revoked his student visa, but Khalil is a green card holder and a lawful permanent resident,” his lawyer told the Spectator.
Columbia stated on Sunday that there had been “reports of ICE around campus”.
“Columbia has and will continue to follow the law. Consistent with our longstanding practice and the practice of cities and institutions throughout the country, law enforcement must have a judicial warrant to enter non-public university areas, including university buildings,” the university stated.
“Columbia is committed to complying with all legal obligations and supporting our student body and campus community.”
Khalil’s lawyer told AP that ICE agents also sought to arrest Khalil’s wife, “an American citizen who is eight months pregnant”.
Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal, who has a long history of criticising Israel, wrote: “The Trump admin is going after students, who have used their First Amendment, constitutional rights. This is unacceptable,”
She added: “Deporting legal residents solely for expressing their political opinions is a violation of free speech rights. Who’s next? Citizens?”
But Brooke Goldstein, executive director of the Lawfare Project, which campaigns on behalf of Jewish people, wrote: “Khalil faces having his visa revoked and his green card cancelled following President Trump’s long overdue crackdown on unrest at colleges. Godspeed. Good riddance.”