White House allegedly sought updates on Mahmoud Khalil's arrest

Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) this week. His attorney claims Khalil overheard federal agents mention that the White House was seeking updates on his arrest. Khalil participated in protests at Columbia University advocating for divestment from Israel. His attorneys allege that the Trump administration is retaliating against him for his activism, claiming it violates his First Amendment rights. Khalil's legal team is working to return him to New York, arguing that his transfer to a remote prison in Louisiana was retaliatory. The Department of Homeland Security stated that Khalil's detention supports President Trump's executive orders against anti-Semitism.