Columbia Student Protester Detained in Louisiana Immigration Custody: New Records Reveal Shocking Details

Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist, was taken into immigration custody in Louisiana after being detained at his Columbia University apartment in New York City. He is a Syrian-born student who gained attention for his involvement in last year’s protests against the Gaza conflict.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) informed Khalil that they were revoking his student visa and green card during his arrest. His attorney claims that the Department of Homeland Security accused him of supporting Hamas-related activities. This scenario comes amid political tensions, as the Trump administration recently decided to cut $400 million in grants to Columbia, alleging the university’s failure to address antisemitism on campus.

Khalil was initially taken to a facility in New Jersey. However, when his wife attempted to visit him, she was told he was no longer there. ICE’s online locator later revealed that he was detained in Jena, Louisiana. His attorney mentioned that Khalil is a legal permanent resident married to a U.S. citizen, who is currently eight months pregnant. During the arrest, ICE agents also reportedly threatened to detain his wife.

Columbia University stated that law enforcement can enter its property if they have a warrant. Following the arrest, Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on social media, warning that visas for Hamas supporters in the U.S. would be revoked. Khalil’s involvement in the protests was significant; he was the lead negotiator for a group advocating for divestment from companies doing business in Israel and helped organize large demonstrations on campus.

Last year, Columbia was a focal point for widespread student protests against U.S. support for Israel. Some demonstrations reportedly included rhetoric that some Jewish students considered antisemitic, while others participated in the protests alongside pro-Palestinian advocates. This situation has heightened political sensitivities, especially as President Trump announced plans to cut federal funding to universities that allow such protests.

Legal experts note that while it’s not unheard of for lawful permanent residents to be detained for serious crimes, targeting someone simply for protesting is unusual. Comments from Trump’s border czar indicated a strict stance on foreign nationals in the U.S., emphasizing adherence to the laws of the country.

The broader context involves escalating violence in the region. The Israeli military’s actions against Hamas intensified after a major cross-border attack on Israel in October 2023, leading to significant loss of life on both sides. As tensions flare, stories like Khalil’s highlight the complex intersection of immigration, activism, and national policy.

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