Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student who served as a representative of students in negotiations with the administration of Columbia University, has been arrested by U.S. federal immigration authorities.<\/p>\n
Khalil played a central role in pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus last year, and was detained at the university’s dormitories in Manhattan by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.<\/p>\n
First Step in the New Policy<\/strong> U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio resolutely posted on his X account: “We will revoke the visas and green cards of Hamas supporters in America so they can be deported.”<\/p>\n We will be revoking the visas and\/or green cards of Hamas supporters in America so they can be deported https:\/\/t.co\/oKba2Mmi3C<\/a><\/p>\n — Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) March 9, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nKhalil’s arrest is considered the most significant step so far under the Trump administration against foreign nationals expressing support for Hamas and other terrorist organizations. The U.S. administration clarified that international students who voiced support for terrorism during protests against Israel may lose their residency permits and could be deported from the country.<\/p>\n\n