On Saturday, US immigration agents detained Mahmoud Khalil, a recent graduate of Columbia University. This incident occurred in a university-owned residence. Khalil was taken by several Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents while he was inside his apartment.
Khalil’s lawyer, Amy Greer, reported that the agents initially claimed they were detaining him because his student visa had been revoked by the US State Department. However, when Greer informed them that Khalil had a green card, the agents then stated they were revoking his permanent residency as well.
Recently, Columbia University updated its protocols regarding immigration enforcement on campus. The new guidelines allow government agencies to access university buildings or individuals without a warrant under certain emergency conditions. This change has raised concerns about students’ rights and safety within the university environment.
The Fourth Amendment of the US Constitution protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, ensuring that permanent legal residents have a right to due process. The recent actions taken by ICE and the university’s policies have sparked discussions about these rights for students like Khalil.
Protests have erupted at Columbia University since the events of October 7, when Hamas attacked Israel, leading to significant loss of life and subsequent military operations in Gaza. These protests reflect deep divisions and strong sentiments within the student body regarding the conflict.
In the spring of 2024, the situation escalated when negotiations between student activist groups and the Columbia administration broke down. Khalil played a key role as a negotiator for pro-Palestinian groups during these discussions. The tensions culminated in the NYPD intervening at a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus.
Ultimately, the culmination of these events led to the cancellation of the university’s commencement ceremonies, with many classes also relocated off-campus. Access to the campus has since been restricted to only those with Columbia University identification and approved guests, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by students in this environment.
