Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil arrested by ICE

Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate student at Columbia University, was arrested by ICE agents at his university residence. He was involved in pro-Palestinian protests last year and served as a mediator between protesters and school officials. Khalil's arrest marks a significant action by the Trump administration, which has begun efforts to deport foreign students linked to pro-Palestinian movements. His detention follows months of protests on U.S. college campuses after the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Columbia University has faced government scrutiny, resulting in the cancellation of $400 million in contracts due to alleged antisemitic harassment. The university is working with federal authorities to address concerns while Khalil remains in detention.