Columbia activist faces deportation, raising campus activism concerns

Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and lawful U.S. resident, was arrested by federal immigration agents at Columbia University and is facing potential deportation. This marks a significant escalation in federal actions against activists linked to protests supporting Palestine. The Trump administration claims Khalil's activities align with Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. This arrest has raised concerns among students and faculty at Massachusetts colleges about free speech and the implications for activism on campuses. While Khalil has not been charged with a crime, a federal judge has temporarily halted his deportation pending a legal challenge. The situation has sparked protests and discussions about the impact of such actions on student rights and activism across the country.