By: Isaac Dillard
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement team has been extremely active since President Trump took office in January. Their work has been felt across the country as they carry out President Trump’s promise to cut down on illegal immigration and secure America’s borders. One recent ICE arrest has exploded into the national spotlight because of where the arrests took place and the potential precedent that they might set.
Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and green card holder, was detained on March 11th for the part he played in the pro-Palestinian protests that happened on campus last year. Khalil is seen as one of the most outspoken pro-Palestinian activists at Columbia. According to the Associated Press, Khalil served as a student negotiator between the protesters, school officials, and the press.
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White House officials stated that the reason for Khalil’s arrest was due to activities he led that were seen as endorsing Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt provided insight into the current administration’s view on Khalil’s detainment.
“Mahmoud Khalil was an individual given the privilege of coming to this country to study at one of our nation’s finest universities, cities, and colleges,” Leavitt said in a press briefing. “He took advantage of that opportunity, of that privilege, by siding with terrorists, Hamas terrorists who have killed innocent men, women, and children.”
Leavitt also stated that this claim was supported by pro-Hamas flyers that Khalil allegedly handed out at the protests. Leavitt did not present the flyers but did say they were on her desk.
Khalil’s lawyers told the Associated Press why they believe their client was targeted.
“They’re trying to make an example of him to chill others from making similar speech,” lawyer Sahmay Sisay said. “Not agreeing with your government’s foreign policy decision to support Israel is not a reason for you to be in deportation proceedings.”
A federal judge in Manhattan has blocked Khalil’s deportation until he can stand trial. His initial hearing date is scheduled for March 21.
Khalil’s arrest comes on the heels of Columbia University losing $400 million in federal funding because of anti-Semitism that occurred on campus. The university has responded by making a task force to scope out and stop anti-Semitism. The Department of Justice announced recently the university is also under investigation for hiding illegal immigrants from ICE.
The DOJ investigation is still ongoing.