Columbia student arrested, sparking fear among peers
Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student at Columbia University, was arrested by immigration authorities for his involvement in protests against the Gaza war. This incident has heightened fears among international students on campus, leading to concerns about safety and potential further arrests. Khalil, a permanent legal resident, was detained at his university residence without being charged with a crime. The Trump administration has indicated that it will take a hard stance against students involved in protests, claiming Khalil's actions were contrary to U.S. interests. Columbia University recently updated its policies regarding ICE access to campus, allowing agents to enter without a warrant in certain situations. Students have expressed anger over the university's response and fear for their safety, especially following Khalil's arrest.