US President Donald Trump warned Monday that the arrest of a Palestinian activist at Columbia University will be the “first of many” as his administration cracks down on campus demonstrations related to Israel and the war in Gaza, reported AP.
Mahmoud Khalil, a lawful US resident and former graduate student at Columbia, was detained by federal immigration agents in New York on Saturday and transported to an immigration detention facility in Louisiana. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated, as per AP, that his arrest was linked to Trump’s executive orders prohibiting antisemitism.
Trump defends enforcement measures
Trump defended Khalil’s detention, stating in a social media post, “We know there are more students at Columbia and other Universities across the Country who have engaged in pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic, anti-American activity, and the Trump Administration will not tolerate it. We will find, apprehend, and deport these terrorist sympathizers from our country — never to return again.”
Federal immigration authorities also attempted to detain another international student at Columbia on Friday but were denied entry as they lacked an arrest warrant, according to the Student Workers of Columbia, reported AP.
The Trump administration recently withdrew $400 million in federal funding from Columbia University, citing its alleged failure to curb antisemitism on campus.
Khalil’s background and ongoing investigation
Khalil, born in Syria to Palestinian parents, had been a key figure in pro-Palestinian activism at Columbia. He served as a mediator between student protesters and university officials, a role that drew scrutiny from pro-Israel groups.
The activist has denied accusations of antisemitism, asserting that his involvement was part of a broader anti-war movement that included Jewish students and groups.
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The university’s Office of Institutional Equity had been investigating Khalil for allegedly violating new harassment policies following a WhatsApp post referring to a “genocidal dean,” reported AP.
It remains unclear when Khalil will appear in immigration court.
(With inputs from AP)
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