Immigration and Customs Enforcement has arrested a Palestinian activist who has been one of the leading figures in instigating anti-Israel student takeovers of the Columbia University campus, according to his lawyer.
Mahmoud Khalil, who graduated from the prestigious school in December, was inside his university-owned apartment a few blocks from campus Saturday night when ICE agents entered the residence and took him into custody, attorney Amy Greer told AP.
As agents raided the apartment, the school put out a statement addressing the presence of agents in the vicinity of the campus, and stated its intention to push back against ICE’s lawful actions in accordance with so-called sanctuary city laws.
“Consistent with our longstanding practice and the practice of cities and institutions throughout the country, law enforcement must have a judicial warrant to enter non-public university areas, including university buildings,” the statement read in part.
“Columbia is committed to complying with all legal obligations and supporting our student body and campus community.”
An ICE agent reportedly told Greer the agency was enforcing a State Department edict to revoke Khalil’s student visa as well as his green card, pursuant to President Trump’s recent pledge to deport foreign student “agitators” responsible for fomenting campus unrest.
The news comes just days after Trump announced plans to yank about $400 million in federal grants and contracts from Columbia due to its noncompliance with anti-discrimination laws.
