President Donald Trump has issued a warning regarding the arrest and potential deportation of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student who played a key role in protests against Israel and the Gaza conflict. Khalil, a lawful U.S. resident, was detained by immigration authorities and transferred to an immigration detention facility in Louisiana without any criminal charges related to his campus activism.

The Department of Homeland Security cited Trump’s executive orders on antisemitism to justify Khalil’s detention, stating that more similar actions against pro-Palestinian activists are to follow. Additionally, the Trump administration has put pressure on universities, including Columbia, Harvard, and Cornell, threatening to withhold federal funding if they do not address antisemitism and ensure campus safety for Jewish students.

Critics, including civil rights groups and free speech advocates, have condemned Khalil’s arrest as an attempt to suppress criticism of Israel. The situation has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the administration’s use of immigration enforcement for political purposes.

Khalil, known for his mediation efforts during the protests, has denied allegations of antisemitism and maintained that his activism is part of a broader anti-war movement. The case highlights the complex intersection of free speech, activism, and immigration policies on college campuses. As the situation unfolds, the fate of Khalil’s residency status and the implications for future student protests remain uncertain.