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U.S. immigration agents arrest Palestinian student at home, a day after Trump revokes millions in federal funding to Columbia

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16 hours ago

March 11, 2025

U.S. immigration agents arrest Palestinian student at home, a day after Trump revokes millions in federal funding to Columbia

On March 8, 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents entered the university apartment of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student activist at Columbia University, claiming they were acting on a State Department order to revoke his green card, according to his attorney.

Later that day, the Department of Homeland Security justified Mr. Khalil’s arrest by stating that his activities were aligned with Hamas, a designated terrorist organization.

In a social media post, ICE and the Department of State explained that Mr. Khalil was arrested in support of President Trump’s executive orders prohibiting anti-Semitism and to protect U.S. national security.

This incident occurred after the Trump administration moved to cancel $400 million in grants and contracts to Columbia University due to alleged inaction in addressing persistent harassment of Jewish students.

Mr. Khalil, a graduate student at Columbia, was involved in pro-Palestine protests and was detained despite being a legal permanent resident with a green card, not a student visa.

His lawyer, Amy E. Greer, filed a petition challenging the validity of his arrest and detention. As of March 10, 2025, Mr. Khalil’s location was uncertain, with reports suggesting he may be in an immigration detention facility in Jena, Louisiana.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to revoke visas and green cards of Hamas supporters in America for deportation.

A pro-Palestine group claimed Mr. Khalil was abducted without a warrant or official charges, despite having a green card and being a lawful permanent resident.

President Trump confirmed Mr. Khalil’s arrest in a social media post and indicated more arrests would follow.

The Trump administration had previously announced plans to revoke visas of Hamas sympathizers, specifically targeting Columbia University students.

Critics condemned Trump’s proposal to control Gaza and transform it into a resort, calling it a plan for ethnic cleansing.

On March 5, 2025, NYPD officers were deployed at Columbia University’s Barnard College during protests over pro-Palestine activism.

Columbia University faced accusations of anti-Semitism and online campaigns against Mr. Khalil by pro-Israel groups.

The university acknowledged ICE’s presence on campus but did not comment on Mr. Khalil’s detention.

Columbia University reaffirms its commitment to requiring law enforcement to have a judicial warrant to enter non-public University areas, including University buildings. The university follows this practice in line with other cities and institutions across the country, aiming to comply with legal obligations while supporting the student body and campus community.

In response to potential visits by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, Columbia has issued a protocol for such situations, consistent with past practices. The protocol clarifies that ICE agents generally need a judicial warrant or subpoena to access non-public areas on campus, with exigent circumstances possibly allowing access without a warrant. Faculty and staff are advised not to interfere but to contact Public Safety promptly and document any observed activities.

Furthermore, the university faces threats from the Trump administration, which has targeted universities and threatened to cut funding for schools involved in what he deems “illegal protests.” With over $5 billion in federal grant commitments, Columbia remains vigilant in navigating these challenges.

President Trump’s social media posts also mention a planned ‘Federal Task Force to Combat Antisemitism’ visiting several universities, including Columbia, due to reported anti-Semitic incidents. This development adds to the complex landscape universities like Columbia must navigate to uphold their values and ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the community.