In 2024, Mahmoud Khalil is seen near the entrance of Columbia University. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concerns about Khalil, a Columbia student protester, stating that his presence in the U.S. could have significant negative effects on foreign policy, as per a memo obtained by NBC News. Khalil, a graduate student who played a role in leading protests against the war in Gaza at the university the previous year, was detained by immigration authorities on March 8 outside his university-owned apartment in New York City. He was later transferred to a detention center in Louisiana where he is currently held.
An immigration judge in Louisiana demanded the federal government to provide evidence justifying Khalil’s deportation attempt by Wednesday, following which Rubio, on behalf of the government, responded with a letter citing a provision in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 allowing for the deportation of noncitizens if their presence is deemed to have serious adverse foreign policy consequences. Rubio accused Khalil of participating in activities that create a hostile environment for Jewish students in the U.S.
Khalil’s lawyer, Baher Azmy, stated during a press briefing that immigration authorities have acknowledged they lack a case against Khalil, emphasizing the importance of individuals being able to express their beliefs without fear of deportation for voicing protected opinions.
A hearing is set for Friday where Assistant Chief Immigration Judge Jamee Comans will determine Khalil’s fate regarding deportation. The recent arrests and visa revocations of numerous foreign students, particularly those who are Muslim, have raised concerns about the treatment of immigrants in the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security has announced a task force aimed at monitoring immigrants’ social media activity, including foreign students, for signs of antisemitism. This initiative is part of a broader crackdown on universities in the name of combating antisemitism.
In February, the Department of Justice established a task force with the objective of addressing “anti-Semitic harassment in schools and on college campuses.” Additionally, the administration has paused federal funding amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars to various universities such as Columbia, Harvard University, and Princeton University. This action was taken due to concerns regarding the universities’ handling of protests against the war in Gaza that took place last year.
