Key Takeaways:
- ICE arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate.
- Khalil led radical protests on campus advocating for Palestinian rights.
- The arrest highlights the Trump administration’s efforts to target foreign students involved in anti-Israel protests.
- Protests on campuses have grown since the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack in Israel.
Who is Mahmoud Khalil?
Mahmoud Khalil is a Palestinian activist who became well-known for organizing protests at Columbia University. Born and raised in Palestine, Khalil moved to the U.S. to study at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. He quickly gained attention for his passionate speeches and his leadership in demonstrations advocating for Palestinian rights.
Khalil became a central figure in campus debates about Israel and Palestine. His activities included organizing marches, rallies, and events that often criticized Israel’s policies towards Palestinians. These protests sometimes sparked controversy, with some accusing Khalil and his supporters of promoting anti-Israel and antisemitic views.
Why Was Khalil Arrested?
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Khalil on Saturday. The agency did not immediately provide detailed reasons for the arrest. However, the move is widely seen as part of the Trump administration’s push to crack down on foreign students and activists involved in protests critical of Israel.
President Donald Trump has long promised to take action against foreign students he accuses of spreading antisemitism and anti-Israel rhetoric on U.S. campuses. Trump’s campaign pledges included deporting foreign