Overview

• Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student and prominent pro-Palestinian activist, was arrested on March 9 and is being detained in Louisiana despite holding a green card.
• The Trump administration alleges Khalil has ties to Hamas, though no evidence has been provided; supporters argue his arrest is politically motivated and an attack on free speech.
• Columbia University has faced criticism for its silence on Khalil's arrest, while the Trump administration has cut $400 million in funding to the university over its handling of campus protests.
• Protests have erupted nationwide, including a sit-in at Trump Tower led by Jewish Voice for Peace, with over 98 arrests reported during the demonstration.
• The case has sparked fears among immigrant communities and student activists, with critics warning of a broader crackdown on dissent and a potential erosion of constitutional rights.