ICE unlawfully arrests Columbia activist Mahmoud Khalil without a warrant

In the United States, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder and Columbia University student, on March 8. The arrest was made without a warrant, which has raised significant legal concerns. Khalil is known for his activism in pro-Palestinian protests on campus, and his arrest has been characterized by the government as necessary due to alleged flight risk because he mentioned leaving the scene while officers were attempting to identify him. He is currently being held in a detention center in Louisiana. Court documents reveal an extended legal battle between Khalil's legal team and the federal government regarding the nature of the arrest and the grounds for his deportation. Khalil's lawyers argued that the warrantless arrest violates his rights, emphasizing that he was calm and cooperative during the interaction with ICE officers. The American Civil Liberties Union has also contested the government's account, suggesting that agents misrepresented the circumstances of the arrest. The ongoing case against Khalil has been framed in the context of a broader crackdown by the Trump administration on pro-Palestinian activism, with officials suggesting that his advocacy poses a threat to U.S. foreign relations. An immigration judge has already ruled that Khalil is eligible for deportation, citing claims from the State Department that his presence in the U.S. could compromise diplomatic efforts. Khalil's case has gained attention not only because of the legal implications regarding immigration enforcement and due process but also due to the political motivations perceived behind his detention. His legal team is seeking to dismiss the deportation proceedings based on the government's failure to obtain a required warrant, while the administration continues to defend its decision to arrest him, indicating that similar actions may be pursued against other activists in the future.