Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalil detained by ICE

Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and former British government employee, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 9. The Trump administration claims he poses a risk to U.S. foreign policy, but has not specified any criminal activity. Khalil, a Palestinian from Syria, was well-regarded during his time at the British embassy in Beirut. His wife, Noor Abdalla, stated that his arrest has devastated their family, especially as she is eight months pregnant. Khalil's lawyer argues that extensive background checks previously cleared him for U.S. residency. Critics highlight that his detention appears to be politically motivated, as he had been active in protests at Columbia University.