Detained student previously worked at British embassy

Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student and ex-British embassy worker, was detained by ICE for allegedly leading pro-Hamas activities. He previously managed programs focused on accountability and justice in Syria. A judge has temporarily blocked Khalil's deportation while his legal team challenges the government's actions. His detention has sparked protests and criticism from civil rights groups, who argue it targets free speech. Khalil, a lawful US resident, was involved in pro-Palestinian protests and is the first known individual detained under the Trump administration's crackdown on anti-Israel demonstrations. The government claims he engaged in activities aligned with a designated terrorist organization.