Several people were arrested as demonstrators marched through New York to protest the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student and pro-Palestinian activist, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The protestors condemned the move, calling it a violation of free speech and political expression. The detainment follows an announcement by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated, "We will be revoking the visas and/or green cards of Hamas supporters in America so they can be deported."
The case has sparked widespread debate, with activists and rights groups calling for Khalil’s release, arguing that his advocacy should not lead to deportation.
Rights Groups condemn arrest of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil
Civil liberties organizations and academics have strongly criticized the arrest and detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student activist from Columbia University, calling it a serious violation of free speech rights under the administration of President Donald Trump.
Khalil was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Saturday evening at his university housing, shortly after returning from an iftar dinner with his wife, an American citizen. His lawyer, Amy Greer, stated that Khalil is a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., making his detention and potential deportation highly unusual.
The arrest has sparked widespread protests in New York, with demonstrators demanding his immediate release. Protesters held signs outside the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building, decrying what they call an attempt to silence pro-Palestinian voices in the U.S.
Judge blocks deportation of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil
A federal judge in New York has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deporting Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and former Columbia University student, following his arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Saturday.
The ruling, issued on Monday, prevents Khalil's removal from the U.S. until a scheduled court conference on Wednesday.
The court order states that Khalil "shall not be removed from the United States unless and until the Court orders otherwise," preserving judicial oversight of his case. It remains unclear whether Khalil will appear in court on Wednesday as his legal team challenges his detention.
Khalil's arrest has sparked nationwide protests, with civil rights groups condemning what they call a crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism. The Trump administration has defended the move, with officials alleging—without evidence—that Khalil was involved in activities linked to Hamas.
Trump administration’s crackdown on protesters
President Trump has repeatedly voiced his intent to deport pro-Palestinian activists, claiming without evidence that many are “paid agitators” involved in “pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic, anti-American activity.” He warned that Khalil’s arrest would be “the first of many to come.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has accused Khalil of engaging in activities “aligned with Hamas,” but legal experts argue the allegations lack concrete evidence. Will Creeley, legal director at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), warned that the government’s justification is dangerously broad.
“This is a moment where people may think twice before criticizing the government, whether it's the U.S. or Israel, and that chill on free speech is deeply concerning,” Creeley said.
Legal Battle and Concerns Over Khalil’s Whereabouts
Khalil was initially believed to be detained in a New Jersey facility, but his lawyer and wife later discovered he had been transferred to a detention center in Louisiana. Activists say ICE frequently relocates detainees far from their legal representatives and communities to increase psychological pressure.
His case is set to be heard in federal court on March 12, with his defense team challenging the legality of his detention.
Escalating Restrictions on Pro-Palestinian Advocacy
Khalil’s arrest is seen as part of a broader effort to suppress pro-Palestinian activism in the U.S. Rights groups argue that accusations of anti-Semitism have been weaponized to stifle dissent against Israeli policies.
“The Trump administration is trying to criminalize any opposition to Israel’s actions and the U.S.’s role in it,” said Miriam Osman, an organizer with the Palestinian Youth Movement.
Observers warn that the crackdown on Palestinian rights activists could signal broader restrictions on political dissent. Rutgers Law professor Sahar Aziz stated, “Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims who advocate for Palestinian rights are the canaries in the coal mine. This should serve as a warning for all Americans about the future of political freedoms in the country.”
