March 10, 2025 | By FlashpointNews Team
A federal judge in Manhattan has temporarily blocked the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and former Columbia University graduate student, who was arrested by ICE agents over the weekend. Khalil, known for leading anti-Israel protests on Columbia’s campus, is accused by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of “leading activities aligned to Hamas,” a designated terrorist organization.
The judge’s ruling on Monday stated that Khalil cannot be deported “unless and until the Court orders otherwise.” A hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday to determine the next steps in the case.
The Arrest and Allegations
Khalil was taken into custody on March 8 in New York City’s Upper West Side. According to ICE, he is being held at the LaSalle Detention Facility in Louisiana.
The DHS claims that Khalil’s student visa was revoked due to his alleged ties to Hamas. However, Khalil’s attorney, Amy E. Greer, argues that her client is a legal permanent resident (green card holder) and not in the U.S. on a student visa. She called the arrest “wrongful” and accused ICE agents of detaining Khalil despite being presented with evidence of his legal status.
Political Backlash
The arrest has sparked outrage among progressive politicians, including Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), a member of the “Squad.” Tlaib criticized the arrest as an “egregious violation of constitutional rights” and warned that it sets a dangerous precedent for targeting individuals based on political speech.
In an Instagram post, Tlaib wrote:
“Everyone should be concerned about this. They’re targeting him because he’s been vocal against the genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza. Who’s next?”
New York State Attorney General Letitia James also expressed concern, stating that her office is monitoring the situation and is in contact with Khalil’s attorney.
Trump’s Response
In contrast, former President Donald Trump praised the arrest, calling it “the first of many to come.” In a Truth Social post, Trump accused Khalil and other activists of being “paid agitators” engaged in “pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic, anti-American activity.”
“We will find, apprehend, and deport these terrorist sympathizers from our country — never to return again,” Trump wrote.
The Broader Context
Khalil’s arrest comes amid heightened tensions over anti-Israel protests on college campuses across the U.S. Columbia University has been a focal point of these demonstrations, with activists calling for an end to U.S. support for Israel and condemning the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The case raises important questions about the balance between free speech and national security, as well as the treatment of immigrants and activists in the U.S.
What’s Next?
The hearing on Wednesday will determine whether Khalil’s detention was lawful and whether he will be released or deported. The outcome could have significant implications for other activists and immigrants facing similar accusations.
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