Palestinian student arrested at Columbia University by ICE

Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student at Columbia University, was arrested by U.S. immigration agents on Saturday. His detention is linked to a broader crackdown on foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests, coinciding with the cancellation of $400 million in government contracts to the university. Khalil, who holds a U.S. green card and is married to an American citizen, was a prominent figure in protests at Columbia. He was not involved in a recent building occupation but acted as a mediator between protesters and university officials. He is currently held at an ICE detention center in New Jersey. The Trump administration's actions against Khalil and Columbia University are part of a campaign against perceived antisemitism on campuses. Columbia has stated its commitment to addressing these concerns while facing pressure from the government regarding its handling of student protests.