Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student and green card holder at Columbia University, was recently arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers following President Trump’s directive to punish individuals engaged in “antisemitic harassment and violence.” This arrest is seen as part of Trump’s broader efforts to increase deportations and remove protections from those who oppose the administration’s priorities.

The move to strip Khalil’s green card and initiate deportation has raised concerns among foreign students studying in the U.S., with many fearing repercussions for expressing political views or engaging in activism. Khalil, known for his involvement in negotiating with campus protesters advocating for Columbia to divest from Israel, was detained by ICE officers at his university-owned apartment.

Khalil’s attorney, Amy Greer, highlighted the lack of due process in his arrest, emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights of lawful permanent residents like Khalil. The government alleges that Khalil supported Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, and was arrested in alignment with Trump’s executive order on antisemitism.

In response to Khalil’s arrest, various groups organized protests in Manhattan, expressing support for Khalil and criticizing the government’s actions. The arrest signifies a shift in ICE’s targeting strategy, as they chose to detain someone with a green card rather than an individual without legal status, prompting surprise and concern within the campus community.

Trump’s administration has a history of taking measures to restrict visas, denaturalize individuals, and intensify efforts to deport those deemed undesirable. These actions have sparked debate among immigration law experts regarding the balance between national security concerns and protecting the rights of immigrants in the U.S.