Protests have erupted across New York City following the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student activist and recent Columbia University graduate. Khalil was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Saturday night at his university-owned apartment in Upper Manhattan.
The arrest was reportedly due to his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, which the government claims were aligned with Hamas, a designated terrorist organisation.
Khalil, a legal U.S. permanent resident with a green card, was taken into custody by ICE agents. His student visa was revoked, and he is currently being held in Louisiana pending a deportation hearing.
Demonstrations have been ongoing in various locations across New York City, including Columbia University, Washington Square Park, and Federal Plaza. Protesters have demanded Khalil’s release, arguing that his arrest infringes on his First Amendment rights.
A federal judge ordered that Khalil cannot be deported while the court deliberates on his case, ensuring he remains in the U.S. for now.
The White House and Department of Homeland Security have defended the arrest, stating it is part of efforts to address perceived anti-Semitism on university campuses.
President Donald Trump has stated that Khalil’s arrest is the “first of many to come,” while some Jewish rights organizations have supported the government’s actions.
The protests have drawn hundreds of supporters, including students from various universities and organizations like the ACLU and Jewish Voice for Peace.
On the other hand, over 900,000 letters have been collected in a petition advocating for Khalil’s release, with many arguing that his detention is unconstitutional.
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