Columbia Student Arrested Amid Trump Administration Crackdown on Campus Protests
By Shyla Gheek / GICJ
A high-profile arrest at Columbia University has escalated tensions surrounding student activism, free speech, and the Trump administration’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist, and former Columbia student, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on Saturday night, sparking legal battles and nationwide controversy.
Image of Mahmoud Khalil taken from Aljazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/5/can-trump-legally-force-us-universities-to-silence-protests
Arrest and Legal Challenge
Khalil, a U.S. green card holder, was taken into custody on claims that his student visa had been revoked. His lawyer, Amy Greer, has challenged the arrest, emphasizing that Khalil's permanent residency status makes the action legally dubious. A federal judge has temporarily blocked Khalil’s deportation and scheduled a court hearing for further review.
Despite his detainment, no criminal charges have been filed against Khalil. He organized protests and voiced his political opinions, but he has not engaged in any illegal activities. His supporters argue that his arrest amounts to an enforced disappearance, as no one knew his whereabouts initially, and even the White House has not claimed he committed any crimes.
Greer condemned the arrest as an attempt to suppress student activism, particularly those critical of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. ICE’s arrest and detention of Mahmoud follows the U.S. government’s open repression of student activism and political speech.
Trump’s Response and Policy Shift
Image from Trump's Instagrama and Twitter Post
President Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to justify the arrest, calling Khalil the first of “many to come.” He asserted that his administration “will not tolerate pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic, anti-American activity on college campuses.” Trump has labelled protestors as “paid agitators” and signalled intensified efforts to remove individuals deemed sympathetic to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization.
His administration has already enacted measures to curb campus protests, including an executive order revoking student visas and green cards of individuals accused of supporting Hamas. Additionally, the Department of Education is investigating multiple universities, including Columbia, for alleged antisemitic incidents.
Free Speech and Civil Liberties at Stake
Khalil’s detention raises broader concerns about freedom of speech and political expression. Critics argue that he is in jail solely for his political speech, which should be protected under the First Amendment, regardless of whether people agree with his views. The idea that an individual can be detained for engaging in political discourse is alarming to many civil rights advocates.
“This should matter to everyone,” said one activist. “If we normalize a regime that locks up citizens or immigrants just because they protested, we set a dangerous precedent.”
Legal experts and civil rights organizations stress that whether one agrees or disagrees with Khalil’s views, his arrest should be seen as a red line. The erosion of free speech protections could impact all Americans, as it signals a shift toward silencing political dissent.
The fundamental principle at stake is not Khalil’s political stance but the right to express political opinions without fear of imprisonment or deportation. Protecting free speech is the main idea behind democracy and the foundation of American values. In addition to values of the international community. If these rights are eroded now, they may not be recoverable in the future.
GICJ Condemns Arrest as Violation of Human Rights
Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) strongly condemns Mahmoud Khalil’s arrest, calling it a clear violation of fundamental human rights and international law. We believe that detaining individuals for their political views sets a dangerous precedent and contradicts democratic principles, including the right to free speech and peaceful assembly. The targeting of activists based solely on their political beliefs is unacceptable in any democratic society. This case reflects a growing pattern of repression against those who criticize government policies. The U.S. must uphold its commitment to human rights and immediately release Mahmoud Khalil. We further warn that allowing such detentions to continue would erode civil liberties and legitimize authoritarian tactics worldwide.
