Washington, Mar 11 (V7N) – President Donald Trump praised the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and prominent pro-Palestinian activist, calling his actions anti-American and promising more detentions to follow.

Khalil, a green card holder married to an American citizen, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on Sunday. He is accused of leading activities linked to Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. His attorneys are challenging the legality of his arrest, demanding more evidence and documentation.

Video: ICE arrests Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil for leading pro-Palestinian activism

This arrest is part of the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to crack down on student protests and university activities they deem anti-American or anti-Semitic, particularly those protesting Israel’s actions in Gaza. Khalil, who was involved in student protests and negotiations at Columbia University, has been a vocal critic of Israel, especially in the wake of the October 2023 Hamas attacks.

President Trump reacted to the arrest on social media, stating that more arrests were forthcoming. "We will find, apprehend, and deport these terrorist supervisors from our country—never to return again," he wrote. The White House's social media account reposted his message under the heading "SHALOM, MAHMOUD."

Khalil's attorneys argue that he has not committed any crime and have demanded a warrant or specific evidence to justify his detention. Khalil, who was born in Syria and has Palestinian ancestry, is currently being held in a Louisiana ICE detention facility. Supporters gathered outside a federal facility in New York City to protest his detention.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned Khalil’s arrest, calling it an attack on free speech and political activism. They also criticized the manner of his arrest, which occurred in front of his pregnant wife. Columbia University, where Khalil was pursuing a Master's degree in Public Administration, declined to comment on the situation.

This arrest follows the Trump administration's decision to cancel $400 million in federal grants to Columbia University, citing its failure to address anti-Semitic harassment on campus. The Justice Department is investigating similar issues at 59 other universities, including major institutions like Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and the University of California.

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