Former President Donald Trump has pledged to expel Palestinian activists from the United States. He warned that the recent arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist at Columbia University, is just the beginning. Trump vowed to find, apprehend, and deport what he called "terrorist sympathizers." He labeled Khalil a "Radical Foreign Pro-Hamas Student" and claimed that many students engage in "pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic" activities. Trump stated that those deported would "never return again" to the U.S.
Trump vows to deport Palestinian activists, labeling them "terrorist sympathizers" amid escalating tensions over campus protests.
Khalil was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 9, 2025. He is a green card holder, not a student visa holder, and graduated from Columbia in December 2024. His arrest led to his transfer to an immigration jail in Louisiana, but no criminal charges have been filed against him related to his activism. A federal judge blocks Khalil's deportation on March 10, and a hearing is scheduled for March 12 in New York City.
Khalil's lawyers filed a habeas corpus petition, arguing that his arrest violates First Amendment rights and that deportation requires a higher legal standard for permanent residents. Khalil's case is viewed as a broader issue of targeting dissent against U.S. foreign policy.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims Khalil led activities aligned with Hamas. They cite Trump's executive orders prohibiting antisemitism and announced that they would revoke visas and green cards for "Hamas supporters." Trump argues that protesters lose their rights by supporting Hamas.
The administration also announced plans to cut $400 million in funding from Columbia University. This crackdown on campus protests has extended to 60 colleges, with warnings about potential loss of federal funding.
Civil rights groups have accused the administration of suppressing free speech, while hundreds protested in New York City demanding Khalil's release. Concerns have been raised about a chilling effect on activism and comparisons have been drawn to the McCarthy era political deportations.
The political and legal implications of this situation continue to unfold.
