Arrest and Legal Battles
Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate and Palestinian activist, was arrested by on March 8, 2025, leading to a legal battle over his detention and potential deportation under controversial circumstances.
Khalil's case has drawn attention to the Trump administration's crackdown on campus protests, with officials alleging his activities aligned with , while his supporters argue it's a suppression of free speech and pro-Palestinian activism.
Responses and Implications
Human rights organizations, activists, and Columbia University students have condemned Khalil's arrest, highlighting concerns over due process violations and the broader implications for Palestinian activism and free speech in the U.S..
The case has sparked debates over the extent of First Amendment protections for permanent residents and the use of immigration laws for political purposes, with Khalil's detention seen as part of a wider effort to silence pro-Palestinian voices.