Green Card holder Palestinian activist arrested in US immigration crackdown

Federal immigration authorities in the US arrested Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil on Saturday, escalating the Trump administration’s crackdown on student protesters involved in demonstrations against Israel at Columbia University.

Khalil, a former graduate student and a key figure in last year’s protests, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at his university-owned apartment in Manhattan. His attorney, Amy Greer, said ICE initially claimed his student visa had been revoked, but when informed that Khalil was a lawful permanent resident with a Green Card, agents stated they were revoking that status instead.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed the arrest, citing President Donald Trump’s executive orders targeting “anti-Semitism” on campus. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin accused Khalil of leading activities linked to the resistance movement Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organisation by the US.

.@Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil is a lawful permanent resident of our nation who has not been charged with or convicted of a single crime. The Department of Homeland Security’s lawless decision to arrest him solely because of his peaceful anti-genocide activism… https://t.co/mWzOXQUmQR

— CAIR National (@CAIRNational) March 9, 2025

The arrest comes amid broader federal action against Columbia University, which lost $400 million in government funding for allegedly failing to prevent anti-Semitism. Trump has vowed to deport “resident aliens” who joined what he called “pro-jihadist protests.”

READ: US reviews Columbia University contracts over anti-Semitism claims

Greer has filed a habeas corpus petition challenging Khalil’s detention. His wife, a US citizen who is eight months pregnant, was also threatened with arrest. She was unable to locate him at the ICE facility where he was reportedly held. Activists have launched a petition for Khalil’s release, gathering over 300,000 signatures.

In a statement, Columbia University said: “Consistent with our long-standing practice and the practice of cities and institutions throughout the country, law enforcement must have a judicial warrant to enter nonpublic University areas, including University buildings. Columbia is committed to complying with all legal obligations and supporting our student body and campus community.”

Legal experts have questioned the basis of Khalil’s detention, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent for political speech and student activism.

READ: US police violently remove protest against ex-Israel PM at Colombia University