An anti-Israel activist who led protests at Columbia University has been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after his visa and green card were revoked. The Biden administration allowed such protests to continue unchecked, but President Trump is taking a firmer stance.
Key Facts:
- Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student, was arrested at his university-owned apartment in New York City.
- ICE agents cited a State Department order revoking his green card and student visa.
- Khalil’s attorney claims he was wrongfully detained, arguing he is a legal permanent resident.
- Columbia University refused to confirm his status but issued a statement supporting students’ legal rights.
- President Trump recently threatened to deport foreign students involved in illegal campus protests.
The Rest of The Story:
Khalil, accused of leading anti-Israel protests on campus, was taken into custody by ICE agents acting on a State Department directive.
His attorney, Amy E. Greer, insists the arrest was unjustified, stating Khalil is a lawful permanent resident, not a visa holder.
Khalil’s wife, who is eight months pregnant, was reportedly threatened with arrest when she attempted to visit him.
The activist has been linked to the Columbia University Apartheid Divest group, which allegedly glorified Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel.
While Khalil claims he is being targeted for pro-Palestinian speech, Trump has made it clear that foreign nationals engaging in such protests will face consequences.
ICE arrested Mahmoud Khalil, one of the leaders of the pro-Palestine protests and encampments at Columbia University. He is reportedly having his student visa and green card revoked by the State Department. pic.twitter.com/2OIO41V9dY
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) March 9, 2025
Commentary:
For too long, foreign activists have been able to push radical agendas on American campuses without consequence.
Under Biden, protests glorifying Hamas were tolerated, and Columbia failed to protect Jewish students.
Now, with Trump back in charge, there is a clear message: if you support terrorists, you don’t belong here.
Deporting foreign nationals who actively promote extremist causes is not an attack on free speech—it’s a matter of national security.
The First Amendment protects American citizens, not those here on visas or green cards.
If someone enters the U.S. and uses their status to incite unrest, they should not expect to stay.
Columbia University, which allowed this environment to fester, is also facing consequences.
The administration’s decision to cut $400 million in federal grants is a necessary step in holding institutions accountable.
Universities that refuse to maintain order should not receive taxpayer funding.
This case is a reminder of why strong leadership matters.
Under Trump, the U.S. is reclaiming control over immigration and campus security.
Those who abuse their privilege to reside in this country will no longer be shielded.
The Bottom Line:
Mahmoud Khalil’s arrest is a turning point in how the U.S. handles foreign nationals engaged in extremist activism.
Under Trump’s leadership, there is no tolerance for those who glorify terrorism while living in America.
If someone comes here and supports Hamas, they can find another country to call home.
Read Next
– America’s Most Successful Living Artist Is Now Broke Because No One Wants His Paintings Anymore
– Missouri AG Says New Discovery Could Make Biden’s Actions as President Null And Void
– Lawmakers Propose New Law Making Possession of a Photo of a Muslim Woman Without Her Hijab a Crime