Video of ICE Arrest of Pro-Palestinian Columbia Student Mahmoud Khalil Sparks Debate on Immigration Enforcement and Activism

A recent video has emerged showing the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and student at Columbia University, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The footage captures the moment federal agents confronted Khalil in the lobby of his building, instructing him to turn around and cease resisting. This development follows Khalil’s participation in protests at Columbia University last spring and his subsequent overstay of a student visa, according to official statements released on Friday.

The arrest was carried out by immigration officers from the Newark, New Jersey, field office. The video, which was recorded by Khalil’s wife, Noor Abdalla, who is currently eight months pregnant, was shared by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). The ACLU released the video with the faces of the arresting officers blurred to protect their identities. The video, lasting over eight minutes, provides a detailed account of the arrest process.

This incident comes shortly after another case involving a Columbia University student, Ranjani Srinivasan, a doctoral student from India. Srinivasan self-deported earlier in the week after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accused her of supporting Hamas. These events highlight ongoing immigration enforcement actions involving students at the university.

Khalil’s visa was reportedly terminated in January 2022 due to a lack of attendance, officials stated. The circumstances surrounding his arrest and the broader implications for international students involved in activism remain a topic of discussion. The release of the video by the ACLU aims to shed light on the enforcement actions and their impact on the individuals and families involved.