Mahmoud Khalil arrested for pro-Palestinian activism in NYC

Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and green card holder, was arrested by ICE agents in New York City. His arrest follows public calls from pro-Israel activists for his deportation due to his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University. Khalil's green card status is typically protected, but the Trump administration is using a rarely invoked immigration law to justify his deportation. Officials claim his presence could harm U.S. foreign policy, a vague rationale that raises concerns about free speech rights. Civil rights groups are challenging Khalil's detention and deportation. They argue that he is being punished for protected speech and are seeking to transfer him back to New York for his immigration case.