NEW YORK, USA – Palestinian activist and recent Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil was arrested by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Saturday, March 8, in an apartment building owned by the university.
According to a statement by advocates, Khalil and his wife, a US citizen, had just unlocked the door to their building when two DHS agents wearing plain clothes forced their way in behind them.
DHS agents said that Khalil’s student visa was revoked. Khalil is a green card holder and is a lawful permanent resident. According to advocates, DHS agents claimed that the State Department had revoked the green card.
Khalil’s wife, who is eight months pregnant, phoned a lawyer who spoke with the agents to intervene. When Khalil’s attorney requested that a copy of the warrant be emailed to her, the agent allegedly hung up the call.
Khalil is detained in the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in New York pending an appearance before an immigration judge.
Khalil served as lead negotiator during last year’s Gaza solidarity encampment in Columbia University.
Students have reported ICE presence on campus, with agents wearing plain clothes. One student claimed an agent was specifically stopping students of color for questioning.
On Friday, the Trump administration cut $400 million in grants to the Ivy League institution for allegedly failing to address anti-semitism.
“There is no question that the cancellation of these funds will immediately impact research and other critical functions of the University, impacting students, faculty, staff, research, and patient care,” said Katrina Armstrong, Columbia University interim president, in an email sent to students and faculty on Friday.
“But let me be very clear: Columbia is taking the government’s action very seriously. I want to assure the entire Columbia community that we are committed to working with the federal government to address their legitimate concerns,” she added.
Columbia University protocol
Columbia University recently released a public safety protocol for students regarding potential ICE presence on campus.
The university’s public safety website said that in general, ICE agents must have a judicial warrant or subpoena to access non-public areas like classrooms, housing, or areas that require Columbia University ID. Areas open to the public are accessible to ICE agents, and they may enter without a warrant.
“Exigent circumstances may allow for access to University buildings or people without a warrant. Faculty/staff should not interfere and should immediately contact Public Safety as described below. Faculty/staff should document the activities they observe, if possible without obstructing the agents,” Columbia University said.
Columbia University has yet to address Khalil’s arrest, as of writing. – Rappler.com
