Who Is Mahmoud Khalil? Why Did ICE Arrest Mahmoud Khalil?

The arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a well-known Palestinian activist at Columbia University, has sent shockwaves through both the academic and activist communities. On a seemingly ordinary Saturday night, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents showed up at Khalil’s university-owned apartment, just a few blocks from Columbia’s Manhattan campus, turning his life upside down. Khalil’s attorney, Amy Greer, later confirmed that federal agents claimed they were executing a State Department order to revoke his student visa. However, things took a darker turn when they indicated plans to revoke his green card as well.

So, who is Mahmoud Khalil, and why has his arrest caused such an uproar? Let’s unravel the story.

A Voice for Palestine at Columbia

Mahmoud Khalil, 32, is no stranger to the spotlight at Columbia University. As a prominent pro-Palestinian activist, he’s been a central figure in the campus’s Gaza solidarity protests. His leadership skills were evident when he served as a lead negotiator with school administrators during last spring’s Gaza solidarity encampment. Khalil, a graduate of Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs, has never shied away from speaking out, making appearances in multiple media interviews to advocate for Palestinian rights.

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Born to Palestinian parents who sought refuge in the U.S., Khalil’s activism is deeply personal. His passion for justice and his articulate defense of Palestinian rights have earned him both admiration and powerful adversaries.

The ICE Raid: What Really Happened?

According to Amy Greer, Khalil’s attorney, the ICE agents were acting on a State Department order. When Greer pointed out that Khalil was a permanent U.S. resident with a green card, the agents dropped another bombshell: they intended to revoke that too. The suddenness and severity of the actions taken against Khalil have raised eyebrows, especially given the timing.

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Khalil’s arrest came just days after former President Donald Trump reiterated his intent to deport foreign students and imprison “agitators” involved in protests against Israel’s war in Gaza. Trump’s administration had already stripped Columbia University of $400 million in federal grants and contracts, accusing the institution of noncompliance with anti-discrimination laws. The university, for its part, issued a carefully worded statement emphasizing its commitment to comply with legal obligations while supporting its student body.

But to many, it seemed like a targeted move — an attempt to silence a vocal critic of U.S. and Israeli policies.

Family and Personal Life: A Heartbreaking Twist

Perhaps the most heart-wrenching part of this story is Khalil’s family situation. He and his wife, Leila, lived together in the university-owned apartment that was raided. Leila, who is eight months pregnant, was home during the arrest, left alone and terrified as agents took her husband away. The emotional toll of the raid on a pregnant woman, combined with the uncertainty surrounding Khalil’s fate, has sparked widespread outrage.

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Khalil’s personal net worth isn’t significant by any means. Like many student activists, his life has been far from luxurious. Most of his income came from part-time consulting gigs and scholarships during his time at Columbia. With an estimated net worth of less than $100,000, Khalil’s wealth lies in his influence and his ability to rally people for a cause — not in his bank account.

A Political Move or a Security Threat?

The timing of Khalil’s arrest has led many to speculate that it was more about politics than national security. As a prominent figure advocating for Palestinian rights, Khalil’s views were clearly at odds with the Trump administration’s stance on Israel and Palestine. The move to deport him and potentially revoke his green card seems less about security risks and more about setting an example.

The legal basis for the arrest remains murky. Experts argue that revoking a green card isn’t a straightforward process, especially without concrete evidence of wrongdoing. Khalil’s attorney has already filed for an emergency hearing to contest the revocation and demand his release.

The Outcry and What’s Next

Khalil’s arrest has sparked a flurry of protests at Columbia University and beyond. Student groups, human rights organizations, and even a few political figures have condemned the actions taken against him. Social media has been flooded with #FreeMahmoud hashtags, calling for his immediate release and an investigation into the legality of ICE’s actions.

For now, Khalil remains in custody, awaiting his day in court. His wife, Leila, has been staying with friends, grappling with the emotional strain of her husband’s detention while preparing for the birth of their child.