Columbia University students protest detention of Mahmoud Khalil by ICE

In early March 2025, Mahmoud Khalil, a student at Columbia University and activist for Palestinian rights, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in New York City. His detention was part of a broader crackdown by the Trump administration on individuals deemed to support terrorist organizations, particularly Hamas. Khalil, who became a lawful permanent resident in February 2024 after arriving in the U.S. in 2022, was accused of leading activities aligned with Hamas without facing formal charges. This event sparked outrage among students at Columbia, who demanded accountability from university trustees for their alleged roles in his detention. The protests unfolded at St. Paul’s Chapel on the Columbia campus, where several students chained themselves to the gate and refused to leave until their demands were met. The Columbia Palestine Solidarity Committee, alongside the university's Jewish Voice for Peace chapter, organized the demonstration, asserting that Khalil’s detention was politically motivated and targeted at suppressing free speech and dissent. The protesters were joined by a larger crowd that expressed solidarity with Khalil, chanting slogans and calling for transparency from the university. After two hours, campus safety officers removed the protesters. Responses from the administration indicated that the arrest and subsequent protests highlighted ongoing tensions regarding free expression, particularly surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict on campus. Critics of the Trump administration have argued that the case against Khalil represents a broader attack on civil liberties and free speech, as it allegedly silences dissent against U.S. foreign policy. While public sentiment appears to be divided, reports showed that a majority of Americans supported deportation for individuals actively aligning with groups like Hamas, intensifying the controversial nature of Khalil’s case. In an op-ed published by Khalil, he described his arrest as an abduction and called on fellow students to continue protesting against the administration's actions. He highlighted the pivotal role of student activism in challenging policies he views as oppressive, emphasizing that the fight for Palestinian rights must persist amidst growing challenges. The events surrounding Khalil’s detention remain a flashpoint on college campuses, raising questions about the balance between national security and civil rights.