Federal agents arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student at Columbia University, in what appears to be part of President Donald Trump’s crackdown on foreign student protesters. Khalil, involved in last year’s pro-Palestinian protests, faced detention by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents at his university residence on Saturday.
The Khalil Group Took Part in Demonstrations
Student Arrested at Columbia University: Khalil, from Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs, facilitated communication between protesters and administrators. The protests, sparked by Israel’s military actions in Gaza and heightened tensions, led to the establishment of tent encampments on campus.
Before his arrest, Khalil expressed concerns that the government and pro-Israel groups were targeting him due to his media presence.
Columbia Faces Government Retaliation
The Trump administration recently revoked $400 million in federal grants to Columbia University, citing antisemitic harassment on campus. This move aligns with Trump’s pledge to deport foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests.
Columbia officials declined to comment, citing privacy laws. DHS and the Department of State also did not respond to requests for information.
Students React to Khalil’s Arrest
Maryam Alwan, a Columbia senior who protested alongside Khalil, condemned the arrest.
“I am horrified for my dear friend Mahmoud, who is a legal resident, and I am horrified that this is only the beginning.”
Khalil remains in custody, and the legal grounds for his arrest are still unclear. His wife is American, raising additional legal questions about his detention.
A Crackdown on Higher Education?
Some critics argue that the government is using student protesters as scapegoats to advance a broader attack on higher education and Ivy League institutions. Columbia had previously called in police to arrest protesters and suspended several students and staff, but those actions did not prevent further government intervention.
Source: USA Today