Why was Mahmoud Khalil arrested by ICE agents?

Mahmoud Khalil was arrested by ICE agents who claimed his student visa had been revoked, despite him being a legal permanent resident. His attorney believes the arrest is retaliatory for his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests.

What is the context behind the recent protests at Columbia University?

The protests at Columbia University are part of a broader movement against Israel's actions in Gaza, following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack. These protests have led to tensions and conflicts on campus, including allegations of antisemitism.

How has the Trump administration responded to these protests?

The Trump administration has threatened to deport foreign students involved in protests against Israel and has cut $400 million in funding to Columbia University, citing a failure to address antisemitism on campus.

What legal actions are being taken on behalf of Mahmoud Khalil?

Khalil's attorneys have filed a habeas corpus petition challenging the legality of his detention, arguing that the arrest is politically motivated and violates his rights.

7 sources·Politics

Columbia University Student Arrested Amid Protests, Immigration Officials Claim Visa Revocation

Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate student and pro-Palestinian protest leader at Columbia University, was detained by ICE agents, sparking controversy over his legal status.

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The arrest appears to be among the first known actions under President Donald Trump’s pledge to deport international students who joined the protests against the war in Gaza that swept college campuses last spring.
ICE arrests Palestinian activist who helped lead Columbia University protests, lawyer says
NBC News·10d
Reliable
This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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Center
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The Trump administration canceled some $400 million of grants to Columbia last week because of its perceived decision to ignore antisemitism.
ICE Arrests Radical Pro-Palestinian Activist at Columbia; May Face Deportation
Breitbart News·10d
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Right
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The arrest appeared to be among the first known actions under President Donald Trump’s pledge to deport international students who joined the protests against Israel’s war in Gaza that swept college campuses last spring.
ICE arrests Palestinian activist at Columbia
Boston Herald·10d
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This outlet slightly leans right.
Columbia was the epicentre last year of pro-Palestinian student protests nationwide against the war in Gaza and US support for Israel.
Pro-Palestinian student protester detained by US immigration officials, says lawyer
BBC News·10d
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Center
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Khalil's arrest comes just days after President Donald Trump threatened to deport foreign students who were involved in what he calls "illegal protests" on campus.
ICE agents arrest anti-Israel activist who led protests on Columbia University campus for months
FOX News·10d
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The arrest appeared to be among the first known actions under President Donald Trump’s pledge to deport international students who joined the protests against Israel’s war in Gaza that swept college campuses last year.
US authorities arrest pro-Palestine student leader at Columbia
Al Jazeera·10d
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Leans Left
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Mar 9th, 2025, 11:30 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and graduate student at Columbia University, has been detained by ICE officials claiming his visa was revoked, despite being a permanent resident. His arrest follows President Trump's threats to deport students involved in protests against Israel amid rising tensions over the Gaza conflict. Khalil's attorney argues the detention is politically motivated, reflecting escalating measures against campus activism. His case has raised concerns about First Amendment rights and the targeting of immigrant activists. Khalil’s wife, who is pregnant, has faced threats of arrest from agents during the incident.

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Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student and protest leader, was arrested by ICE amidst pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, raising concerns over First Amendment rights and civil liberties.
The case illustrates the Trump administration's commitment to deporting international students involved in political protests perceived as anti-Israel, suggesting an escalation of governmental actions targeting dissenters.
Khalil's attorney claims the lack of transparency regarding the charges against him, including the potential misuse of immigration powers, points to a retaliatory approach by the administration.

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