Democrats criticized for supporting detained Palestinian activist

Democrats are facing criticism for calling for the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian green card holder arrested by ICE after anti-Israel protests at Columbia University. Senator Tom Cotton condemned their support, labeling Khalil a "pro-Hamas" activist. Khalil was detained at his university apartment, prompting a response from Senate Democrats who argue he is entitled to First Amendment protections. A U.S. district judge has ordered him to remain in the U.S. while his case is reviewed. The Trump administration plans to revoke visas of individuals deemed adversarial to U.S. interests. White House officials claim Khalil's actions justify his detention, while Democrats assert his arrest is an infringement on free speech rights.