Columbia Pro-Palestinian Activist Faces Deportation Following ICE Detention
Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and recent Columbia University graduate, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 8, 2025, facing deportation despite his legal permanent resident status.
Men at press conference
ICE agents arrested Khalil at his Columbia University-owned apartment in Manhattan. While officials initially cited an expired student visa, they later acknowledged his green card status but proceeded with deportation efforts. The Department of Homeland Security claims Khalil's activism has ties to Hamas, though no evidence has been presented.
Portrait of Mahmoud Khalil
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the deportation. Khalil's legal team argues that his arrest violates First Amendment rights, emphasizing his clean criminal record and peaceful activism. His wife, a U.S. citizen who is eight months pregnant, was present during the arrest.
Marco Rubio portrait with American flag
The arrest has sparked nationwide protests, particularly in New York City. Civil rights organizations, including the ACLU, warn that this case could set a dangerous precedent for suppressing political dissent. The incident has intensified debate over free speech rights, immigration policies, and the government's approach to pro-Palestinian activism.
Khalil's legal team continues to challenge his green card revocation while awaiting the deportation hearing. The case highlights growing tensions between immigration enforcement and constitutional rights, particularly for politically active non-citizens in the United States.
