Washington — Former President Donald Trump has made it clear that the recent arrest of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil is just the start of a broader crackdown. Khalil, who was taken into custody by U.S. immigration authorities over the weekend, was a key figure in last year’s student protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza. Trump’s administration is now targeting what he calls “pro-terrorist” activities on college campuses.
In a social media post on Truth Social, Trump stated that his administration “will not tolerate” anti-American protests, claiming that many demonstrators are “paid agitators” rather than genuine students. He warned that those who support “terrorism” would be identified, arrested, and deported.
However, Khalil’s legal team quickly challenged the move. A federal judge temporarily blocked his deportation and scheduled a court hearing to review the case. His lawyer, Amy Greer, emphasized that Khalil is a U.S. green card holder and not an international student with a revoked visa, as immigration authorities claimed.
Arrest Sparks Legal Battle and Public Debate
Khalil’s detention has drawn sharp reactions from legal experts and human rights groups. His lawyer accused the government of using immigration enforcement as a tool to suppress political speech, particularly criticism of Israel. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also slammed the arrest, calling it an “unprecedented attack on free speech.”
To complicate matters, Greer revealed that immigration officers allegedly threatened to arrest Khalil’s wife, who is eight months pregnant and a U.S. citizen. The Department of Homeland Security defended its actions, stating that the arrest aligns with Trump’s executive orders against antisemitism. Officials also accused Khalil of having ties to Hamas, though no specific evidence has been provided.
Meanwhile, Trump’s administration is doubling down on its efforts to target anti-Israel activism. The government is moving forward with investigations into several universities, including Columbia, where Khalil was a student leader. In a bold move, Trump has threatened to revoke federal funding from institutions that allow “illegal protests.”
A Controversial Crackdown on Student Activism
Khalil’s case is part of a wider pattern under Trump’s second term. Since returning to office, his administration has been aggressively pushing policies aimed at curbing campus activism, particularly protests against Israel. An executive order signed in January outlined plans to revoke student visas and deport those identified as “Hamas sympathizers.”
Trump’s crackdown has sparked intense debate over free speech and civil liberties. Critics argue that his administration is using broad accusations of antisemitism to silence dissent, while supporters believe these measures are necessary to protect national security.
At the center of it all, Khalil remains in detention at a Louisiana ICE facility, far from his legal team and support system. His lawyers are now racing against time to challenge the government’s actions and secure his release.
With tensions escalating, this case could set a major precedent for how student activism is treated in the U.S. Will the courts intervene, or will the crackdown continue? One thing is certain—this fight is far from over.
