Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil arrested 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 secure, 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 targeted for his political views and that the legal basis for his arrest may be unconstitutional. His case will be heard by an immigration judge.