Why was Mahmoud Khalil arrested by ICE?

Mahmoud Khalil was arrested by ICE due to his pro-Palestine advocacy at Columbia University. The Trump administration claims his activities could have serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the U.S.

What legal actions are being taken on behalf of Mahmoud Khalil?

Khalil's legal team has filed an amended habeas petition and complaint, arguing that his detention violates his First Amendment rights and due process. The ACLU and NYCLU have joined his legal team.

How have protests and public reactions responded to Khalil's detention?

Protests have been held in support of Khalil, including a demonstration at Trump Tower by Jewish Voice for Peace. The protests highlight concerns over free speech and the targeting of activists.

What is the current status of Khalil's deportation case?

A federal judge has temporarily blocked Khalil's deportation, and he remains in ICE custody. The case is ongoing, with the government seeking to move it out of New York.

8 sources·Politics

Protests and Legal Battle Intensify Over Mahmoud Khalil's Detention

Activist Mahmoud Khalil's pending legal battle against deportation continues amid widespread protests and First Amendment concerns.

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Khalil's escalating legal battle highlights emerging tensions between national security interests and the rights of individuals to express political views.
Lawyers for Mahmoud Khalil seek immediate release on free speech grounds
Axios·13h
Reliable
This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
The Trump administration has made no secret of its opposition to those protests and has repeatedly threatened to weaponize immigration law to punish noncitizens who have participated.
Columbia anti-Israel agitator Mahmoud Khalil adds Trump, Rubio to lawsuit demanding release, alleges his constitutional rights have been violated
New York Post·13h
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Leans Right
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The circumstances of his arrest and detention have set off alarms about the Trump administration’s willingness to test First Amendment protections and wield its power over noncitizens in order to intimidate protesters.
Mahmoud Khalil Isn’t the Only Green-Card Holder Targeted for Arrest
The Atlantic·14h
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Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.
Khalil's arrest would seem to represent a threat to the civil liberties of everybody in America.
Opinion | I don't agree with Mahmoud Khalil. That doesn't mean he should be deported.
MSNBC·19h
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Left
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The detaining of Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia University student and Palestinian activist who possessed a green card, has raised questions about the deportation risks faced by lawful permanent residents amid the Trump administration's escalating crackdown on immigration.
Experts say Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder, can't be deported without due process
ABC News·19h
Reliable
This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
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Center
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Supporters of free speech must oppose the arbitrary detention of a U.S. green card holder for participating in anti-Israel protests, and it is not a particularly close case.
Mahmoud Khalil is an easy call
Reason·20h
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Center
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Mar 13th, 2025, 9:44 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate, remains detained by ICE, prompting hundreds to protest outside a New York court. Khalil’s lawyers are contesting his detention, arguing it violates First Amendment rights. Citing a rarely applied immigration law, Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined Khalil poses a threat to U.S. foreign policy, a claim challenged by legal experts as unfounded. His case represents a significant test of civil liberties regarding free speech and immigration laws, as the Trump administration hints at wider actions against activists opposed to U.S. foreign policy.

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Experts argued that Mahmoud Khalil's deportation without due process violates legal protections for green card holders.
The government's claims of national security threats due to Khalil's activism lack sufficient evidence, raising concerns about free speech implications.
A judge has temporarily blocked Khalil's deportation, affirming that he has the right to contest the government's accusations.

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