Khalil, a prominent Palestinian activist and former graduate student at Columbia University, finds himself at the center of a heated controversy after his arrest and detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Despite holding a green card, which grants him permanent U.S. residency, Khalil was detained, sparking outrage among activists and legal experts. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed his detention, citing presidential orders aimed at prohibiting antisemitism as the basis for the arrest.
Khalil played a significant role as the lead negotiator in the Gaza solidarity encampment at Columbia University last spring, where protests were held against Israel over the ongoing conflict in Gaza. His advocacy efforts have been met with both support and criticism. A Zionist activist group, Betar USA, claimed responsibility for alerting the Trump administration about Khalil, praising his detention.
The situation has been further complicated by conflicting information regarding Khalil's whereabouts. Initially listed at the LaSalle detention center in Louisiana, his location remains uncertain. His attorney revealed that ICE agents terminated a phone call when asked if a warrant was present during the detention process. Meanwhile, Khalil's wife, who is eight months pregnant and a U.S. citizen, attempted to visit him at a New Jersey center but was reportedly informed he was not there.
“This blatantly unconstitutional act sends a deplorable message that freedom of speech is no longer protected in America,” said Murad Awawdeh, president and CEO of New York Immigration Coalition.
Awawdeh also emphasized the legal implications of Khalil's detention.
“A green card can only be revoked by an immigration judge, showing once again that the Trump administration is willing to ignore the law in order to instill fear and further its racist agenda. DHS must immediately release Khalil.”
Khalil's association with a group listed as a hate group by the Anti-Defamation League has added to the complexity of his case. The facility where he is reportedly detained is operated by GEO Group, a private contractor.
The Jewish Voice for Peace organization has also voiced concerns over the broader implications of Khalil's detention.
“The Trump administration’s outrageous detention of Mahmoud is designed to instill terror in students speaking out for Palestinian freedom and immigrant communities,” they stated.
In stark contrast, Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, underlined the administration's stance on dealing with perceived threats.
“We will be revoking the visas and/or green cards of Hamas supporters in America so they can be deported.”