Mahmoud Khalil arrested for pro-Palestinian protests amid deportation push
- Mahmoud Khalil was arrested on March 8, 2025, by ICE for leading pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University.
- His arrest has raised concerns among free speech advocates and highlighted issues regarding immigration enforcement and dissent.
- The incident has sparked significant national debate about the intersection of immigration policy, free expression, and U.S. foreign policy towards Israel.
In the United States, on March 8, 2025, Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident and former Columbia University student, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests at his university. His case has drawn significant national attention, with advocates for free speech viewing it as a critical test of First Amendment rights. Khalil's detention has raised concerns among various civil rights organizations and highlighted a broader crackdown on dissent related to U.S. foreign policy regarding Israel and Palestine. Khalil's green card was reportedly revoked during the arrest, which has triggered a wave of reactions concerning immigration and free expression in America. Critics argue that his arrest symbolizes a troubling trend towards the suppression of dissenting voices, predominantly those advocating against U.S. support for Israel.