Columbia University Student Detained by ICE Raises Concerns

New York City, October 10, 2025

News Summary

Mahmoud Khalil, a master’s student at Columbia University, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Louisiana after his green card was allegedly revoked. Despite no criminal charges, the Department of Homeland Security claims he is linked to Hamas activities. His arrest has sparked fear among international students, leading many to restrict their political expression. Khalil’s legal team is contesting the detention, arguing it was conducted without a warrant.

New York City – Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil, a master’s student from India, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Louisiana on March 8. His green card was allegedly revoked, leading to claims by the Department of Homeland Security that he was involved in activities aligned with Hamas, although no criminal charges have been filed against him.

Khalil’s legal team has asserted that federal immigration agents arrested him without providing an warrant. They are currently battling his detention and the potential for deportation. Khalil had actively participated in campus protests aimed at supporting Palestinian rights, notably through the Gaza Solidarity Encampment at Columbia University.

The arrest has sparked fear and anxiety among international students, particularly those who have voiced support for Palestinian causes. Many report that they feel surveilled and are hesitant to express their opinions openly. This has led to some students scaling back their social media activity and avoiding political discussions, fearing immigration consequences.

Seher Ahmed, a master’s student in psychology from Pakistan, shared that she has experienced increased anxiety about her surroundings and worries about being targeted for her political activism. Another student studying journalism has stopped sharing her political views online and is reconsidering attending a wedding overseas due to concerns about her ability to return to the U.S.

Khalil’s situation has created a pervasive atmosphere of vulnerability among international students, with many concerned that expressing any dissenting views may lead to deportation. Other incidents, including the self-deportation of Ranjani Srinivasan, a PhD student whose visa was revoked following her participation in protests, have added to this climate of fear.

Reports have surfaced alleging that ICE agents have conducted searches in student dorm rooms. Moreover, Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian student with an expired visa, was also arrested, showcasing the broader implications of these actions on the student body.

Students have expressed a sense of hopelessness and fear of political persecution, alongside the anxiety of possible separation from family and friends. Khalil’s case raises significant concerns regarding the Trump administration’s approach to dissent among vocal student activists. Although Columbia officials have stressed the importance of academic freedom and students’ rights, many students feel these assurances do not adequately address their fears.

Under the Trump administration, there has been a trend of targeting critics of U.S. foreign policy, especially those opposing Israeli actions. Other institutions, such as Yale and Brown, have previously cautioned international students regarding potential travel restrictions linked to these policies.

Khalil has characterized his detention as retaliation for his support of Palestinian liberation and has affirmed his right to advocate for this cause. The legal proceedings concerning his immigration status are ongoing, with federal judges intervening to prevent his immediate deportation while his case is under review.

FAQ

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Shooting Incidents in Richland County Leave One Dead and Two Arrested
Irmo Woman Charged with Murder After Neighbor’s Fatal Shooting
Lexington Police Seek Public Help in Storage Burglary Case
17-Year-Old Arrested in Fatal Shooting of Teen in Columbia
Columbia Opens New Recovery Center to Combat Homelessness
Former FedEx Employee Charged for Lottery Ticket Theft
Columbia Police Charge Man with Murder of Angela Fuller
Lexington County Substitute Teacher Arrested for Assault
Lexington County Woman Arrested for Armed Robbery
Trooper Injured in Traffic Collision During Stop in Lexington County

Additional Resources

• MSN News
• Wikipedia: Immigration law in the United States
• NBC News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia University
• Politico
• Google Search: Mahmoud Khalil Columbia University
• Columbia Spectator
• Google News: Mahmoud Khalil

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.