Mahmoud Khalil was arrested by ICE at his university-owned apartment in New York. Initially, ICE agents claimed his student visa had been revoked, but Khalil corrected them that he holds a green card. Despite this, he was detained and sent to a facility in Louisiana.

Khalil's lawyers have filed a habeas corpus petition challenging his arrest and detention. A federal judge has blocked his deportation pending further legal proceedings. The government argues that Khalil's activities align with Hamas, but his lawyers deny these claims and assert that his speech is protected by the First Amendment.

The arrest has sparked protests and criticism from civil rights groups and faculty members at Columbia University. Many argue that the arrest is an attack on free speech and academic freedom. Demonstrations have been held demanding Khalil's release.

Khalil's case raises concerns about the use of immigration enforcement to suppress political speech and dissent. It highlights issues of civil liberties, particularly for immigrants and activists, and the potential chilling effect on free speech in the U.S.