Petition for Khalil's release gathers nearly 800,000 signatures
A petition for the release of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil has gained nearly 800,000 signatures following his detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Saturday. Khalil, a graduate of Columbia University, is currently held in Louisiana. Khalil's attorney stated that ICE agents claimed his student visa was revoked, despite him being a lawful permanent resident. The State Department has not confirmed the visa revocation, citing confidentiality laws. Columbia University has stated it will comply with legal obligations regarding law enforcement. The situation has sparked mixed reactions, with some supporting Khalil and others praising his detention amid ongoing tensions over campus protests related to the Gaza conflict.