On March 8, 2025, Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student and prominent activist at Columbia University, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in a significant escalation of federal efforts to address campus-based antisemitic activities.
Khalil, who had completed his studies at Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs, was detained in his university-owned apartment. His arrest was precipitated by a series of pro-Palestinian protests he led on campus, notably the occupation of Barnard College’s Milstein Library, where demonstrators distributed materials associated with Hamas and Hezbollah. These actions drew sharp criticism from law enforcement, political figures, and university officials.
The Trump administration’s decision to revoke visas and green cards of individuals deemed supporters of Hamas aligns with broader efforts to combat antisemitic activities on university campuses. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that such measures are part of a concerted crackdown on antisemitic campus activity.
Civil rights organizations have condemned Khalil’s detention as a violation of free speech rights, arguing that it serves to intimidate students and immigrant communities. Khalil’s supporters have initiated petitions demanding his release, labeling the arrest as racially motivated targeting.
Columbia University has stated that it will cooperate with ICE only when legally mandated and reiterated its commitment to supporting its community members. The university has faced scrutiny for its handling of campus protests, with some alleging insufficient action against antisemitic harassment.
The arrest has intensified debates on campus, with Jewish students expressing feelings of threat due to the nature of the protests, while civil liberties groups defend Khalil’s right to protest. This incident has further strained relations between the university administration and certain student groups, highlighting the challenges institutions face in balancing free expression with community safety and inclusivity.
In the broader context, the arrest reflects the Trump administration’s commitment to addressing antisemitic activities and holding educational institutions accountable for preventing harassment. The decision to revoke federal funding from universities perceived as non-compliant with anti-discrimination laws underscores the administration’s stance on these issues.
The situation at Columbia University serves as a microcosm of the national discourse on free speech, campus activism, and the limits of governmental authority in regulating speech deemed harmful or associated with designated terrorist organizations. As legal proceedings unfold, the case is likely to have significant implications for campus policies, student activism, and the interpretation of free speech rights in academic settings.
