Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent figure in the pro-Palestinian protest movement at Columbia University, was arrested by U.S. immigration officers this past Saturday, stirring significant outcry from fellow students and faculty alike. The detention follows President Donald Trump's recent promise to deport foreign students involved in protests regarding Israel's actions in Gaza.

Khalil, who served as a lead negotiator for the Gaza solidarity encampment, was apprehended by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at his university residence, prompting urgent calls for his release from the Student Workers of Columbia union. The union characterized Khalil's arrest as emblematic of a broader effort to target dissenters amidst rising tensions related to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack and the subsequent Israeli military response, which has led to escalating protests on U.S. campuses, including unprecedented disturbances at Columbia.

According to reports, the protests have at times turned violent, resulting in building occupations and disrupted lectures, creating a significant divide between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel groups on campus.

The DHS has not publicly shared specifics regarding Khalil's detention, raising concerns about the targeting of individuals based on their political activities. Khalil, who was reportedly a permanent resident at the time of his arrest, remains in custody while activists rally for his release, as thousands have signed a petition supporting his case. Maryam Alwan, a close associate of Khalil, expressed her fears: "I am horrified for my dear friend Mahmoud, who is a legal resident, and I am horrified that this is only the beginning.”

The university itself has stated that it cannot comment on individual circumstances related to student privacy laws, but acknowledged the presence of ICE agents in the vicinity, which raised alarms among students. In the aftermath of Khalil's arrest, Columbia reaffirmed its commitment to complying with legal obligations regarding law enforcement access on campus.

In a related development, Trump's administration took further actions against Columbia by canceling approximately $400 million in federal contracts and grants, citing the university's inaction against alleged antisemitic harassment on campus. This move underscores the increasing pressure on educational institutions amidst the national debate surrounding protests linked to the Gaza conflict.

For ongoing updates, follow this developing story as it unfolds across both campus and national scenes.

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