A Columbia University student activist faces deportation after federal immigration authorities arrested him during campus protests.
According to Fox News, Mahmoud Khalil, a 30-year-old green card holder married to a U.S. citizen, released a statement from detention blaming anti-Palestinian racism for his March 8 arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The activist, who played a significant role in anti-Israel demonstrations at Columbia University, claims his detention represents broader discrimination against Palestinians. His legal team secured an initial victory when a judge blocked the Trump administration's attempt to deport him and ordered his case to be heard in New Jersey instead of Louisiana.
Khalil's statement strongly criticized Columbia's administration, particularly former university President Minouche Shafik. He accused university leaders of enabling government targeting through their handling of pro-Palestinian protests and response to allegations of antisemitic behavior on campus.
The Trump administration explained that a bedbug infestation at the New Jersey detention facility necessitated Khalil's transfer to Louisiana. However, this move faced legal challenges from Khalil's attorneys who argued for the case to remain in the original jurisdiction.
The detention case has sparked heated debate about First Amendment rights and the treatment of pro-Palestinian activists. Legal experts are closely monitoring the proceedings as they may set precedents for similar cases.
The judge's decision to relocate Khalil's hearing to New Jersey marks a significant development in his fight against deportation. The ruling cited jurisdictional requirements that tie cases to locations where initial legal challenges are filed.
In his statement from detention, Khalil characterized his arrest as part of a systematic effort to suppress dissent. He called for unity among students, activists, and elected officials in defending protest rights for Palestinian causes. The case highlights tensions between immigration enforcement policies and constitutional protections for political expression. Immigration authorities have not publicly detailed the specific allegations against Khalil regarding Hamas support.
Campus reactions to Khalil's arrest have been mixed, with some students expressing relief while others protest his detention. The controversy has intensified existing debates about free speech and safety on university grounds.
Some Columbia students have criticized Khalil's activities on campus. Fellow students cited concerns about the impact of protests on the academic environment and campus security. Khalil said:
My unjust detention is indicative of the anti-Palestinian racism that both the Biden and Trump administrations have demonstrated over the past 16 months as the U.S. has continued to supply Israel with weapons to kill Palestinians and prevented international intervention.
The ongoing legal proceedings raise questions about the intersection of immigration enforcement and campus protests. Students and administrators across universities are watching how this case might affect future demonstrations.
Khalil concluded his statement with a philosophical observation:
I have always believed that my duty is not only to liberate myself from the oppressor, but also to liberate my oppressors from their hatred and fear.
Mahmoud Khalil, detained by ICE on March 8, faces deportation proceedings despite his status as a green card holder and marriage to a U.S. citizen. The Columbia University activist released a statement from detention claiming anti-Palestinian discrimination motivated his arrest. The case will proceed in New Jersey courts, where judges will determine whether Khalil can remain in the United States while addressing allegations about his involvement in campus protests and alleged support for Hamas.
