Over the weekend, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents reportedly detained an activist who participated in the anti-Israel protests at Columbia University last spring.
Fox News’ Alexis McAdams posted on X that sources told her that Mahmoud Khalil, identified as a lead negotiator for the “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” who graduated in December, was taken into custody by ICE at his university-owned apartment in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. She also noted that student groups are “demanding” his release.
Khalil’s attorney said federal authorities detained her client on Saturday night. Online records show a “Mahmoud Khalil” from Syria is in ICE custody at a detention facility in New Jersey.
A prominent Palestinian activist – who students say was a leader of protests and encampments on the Columbia University campus for months – has been arrested by ICE, according to sources.
I’m told Mahmoud Khalil was taken into custody last night at his university-owned apartment… pic.twitter.com/CsFU3wfmnX
— Alexis McAdams (@AlexisMcAdamsTV) March 9, 2025
The arrest seems to be linked to a new State Department “Catch and Revoke” effort first reported by Axios in which visas of foreign nationals who appear to be “pro-Hamas” are cancelled.
An unnamed official cited by the Free Beacon said Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed the visa revocation and told the news outlet: “This should serve as a warning to foreign students on temporary status in America — under this administration, if you support terror groups, we will deport you.”
Khalil’s attorney, Amy Greer, said federal immigration officials claimed they were acting on a State Department order to revoke her client’s green card, per the Associated Press (AP). Greer also said authorities declined to tell Khalil’s wife, who is eight months pregnant, why her husband was arrested.
“We have not been able to get any more details about why he is being detained,” Greer told the AP. “This is a clear escalation. The administration is following through on its threats.”
A State Department spokesperson told The Daily Wire that visa records “are confidential under U.S. law. Therefore, we cannot comment on individual visa cases.” The spokesperson added, “For questions on removals or green card status, we refer you to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).”
The Daily Wire has also reached out to the Homeland Security Department — the parent agency of ICE — for comment.
On Sunday, Columbia University released a statement that said: “There have been reports of ICE around campus. Columbia has and will continue to follow the law. Consistent with our longstanding practice and the practice of cities and institutions throughout the country, law enforcement must have a judicial warrant to enter non-public University areas, including University buildings. Columbia is committed to complying with all legal obligations and supporting our student body and campus community.”
Protests erupted at Columbia University and other institutions after Israel went to war against Hamas in Gaza following the October 7 terrorist attacks in 2023, leading to reports of harassment and acts of anti-Semitism on campuses.
The Trump administration announced last week that it canceled roughly $400 million in grants to Columbia University due to “inaction” on the “persistent harassment of Jewish students.”
Leo Terrell, senior counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights and head of the Department of Justice Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, hinted at further action: “Freezing the funds is one of the tools we are using to respond to this spike in anti-Semitism. This is only the beginning.”
