The Department of Homeland Security confirmed over the weekend that it had detained Mahmoud Khalil, the Syrian-born activist leader of Prohama Group, who was linked to destructive and violent protests at Columbia University last year.
Alexis McAdams from Fox News reference On Saturday evening, in Halil, he was a “prominent Palestinian activist” who was arrested in a “university west apartment in his university-owned apartment.” She said Halil was “a leader of the protest and camp on Columbia University's campus.”
“The first arrest of many.”
Columbia University's Public Relations Bureau Published statement On Sunday, we acknowledge the presence of ice cream on campus.
“We've had ice reports around campus. Columbia is following the law. In line with our long-standing practices and the practices of cities and institutions across the country, law enforcement agencies must have a judicial warrant to enter non-public university areas, including university buildings. Columbia is committed to complying with all legal obligations and supporting student organizations and campus communities,” the statement read.
The group is currently requesting a release of Halil, circulating posts that he claims to be “addicted to DHS” and encouraging people to sign petition. They claimed that Halil was targeted “due to his Palestinian identity and outspoken behaviorism.” As of Monday afternoon, the petition had over 1.4 million signatures.
New York Post He reportedly head of the Columbia United Apartheid Dibust and is a group responsible for several destructive and sometimes violent protests at universities and other campuses.
Colombian audience Halil has identified him as the main negotiator for the “Gaza Solidarity Camp” in April 2024.
Halil's attorney, Amy Greer, told the news outlet that Ice Special Agents notified him that he was in custody after the State Department revoked his student visa. However, Greer argued that Halil was a green card holder and a legal permanent resident.
A court filing reviewed by the Post allegedly provided Halil with a document that said to the agent “proves that he is a legal permanent resident and shows that he is not a student visa holder.” The court filed states that he is a “outstanding activist” and that his arrest is “no basis.”
The move to detain Khalil is part of the Trump administration's pledge to cancel his visa and expel foreign students who are participating in the pro-Hamas protests.
DHS spokesman Tricia McLaughlin said: Associated Press The arrest “supported President Trump's executive order banning anti-Semitism.” She claimed that Halil “led activities along Hamas, the designated terrorist organization.”
The White House responded to news of Halil's detention, calling it “the first arrest of many people going forward.”
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