Trump Administration Targets Pro-Palestinian Student Activism at Columbia University

Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student at Columbia University, was arrested by Homeland Security agents. Khalil played an active role in pro-Palestinian protests at the university, which led to Department of Homeland Security action as part of Trump’s focus on deporting foreign activists amid tension between Palestinians and Israel.

Agents from U.S. President Donald Trump's administration detained a prominent Palestinian graduate student, Mahmoud Khalil, involved in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, according to four fellow students.

The arrest by Homeland Security agents occurred at Khalil's university residence. Khalil has been pivotal in negotiating on behalf of pro-Palestinian protesters at the university, and his detention may signal a crackdown by Trump on foreign student activists critical of Israel.

Protests erupted following an attack by Hamas on Israel and subsequent Israeli actions against Gaza, becoming a focal point of unrest on college campuses. Columbia University has faced significant scrutiny, including the suspension of $400 million in contracts by the government amid accusations of antisemitic harassment.

(With inputs from agencies.)