The White House is standing by the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian protest leader and Columbia University graduate student, in alignment with President Trump’s executive order targeting antisemitism on U.S. campuses. Khalil, a green card holder of Palestinian descent, was arrested by immigration officers after leading protests against Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that further arrests of individuals engaged in “pro-Hamas activity” on college campuses are imminent, with the Department of Homeland Security actively pursuing such actions.

Columbia University, where Khalil studied, has faced scrutiny for not cooperating with DHS in identifying other individuals involved in similar activities. Khalil’s arrest has sparked a legal challenge regarding the lawfulness of his detention. His lawyers argue that his advocacy for Palestinian human rights does not constitute antisemitic behavior, emphasizing the protection of free speech in American democracy.

The arrest follows the administration’s cancellation of $400 million in federal grants to Columbia, citing concerns over antisemitism. The university had previously experienced student-led protests and political tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, leading to disruptive demonstrations and a shift to remote learning. Khalil’s case reflects broader issues surrounding free speech, activism, and government actions amid heightened political sensitivities on college campuses.