Supporters of detained Columbia student arrested after clash with NYPD as Trump admin seeks his deportation

About a dozen protesters were arrested in New York City on Tuesday during a demonstration in support of former Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil, who was taken into immigration custody over the weekend. Khalil, a permanent U.S. resident, was arrested by immigration enforcement agents on Saturday and transferred to a detention center in Louisiana. The Trump administration is seeking to revoke his legal status and deport him, citing his involvement in anti-Israel protests on campus last year. The case has sparked widespread outrage, with supporters arguing that Khalil’s detention is an attack on free speech and an overreach of government power. A U.S. District Judge has temporarily blocked Khalil’s deportation while his lawyers challenge the decision in court, arguing that the government is unlawfully retaliating against him for constitutionally protected speech. Khalil, whose American wife is eight months pregnant, has become a focal point in a broader debate over immigration enforcement, free speech, and academic freedom.

The protest on Tuesday began peacefully, with approximately 350 demonstrators marching from Washington Square Park to Federal Plaza Immigration Court, chanting slogans like “Free Mahmoud” and “There is only one solution, intifada revolution.” However, tensions escalated when a smaller group of protesters attempted to block a street in downtown Manhattan. Despite warnings from police to clear the area, some refused to move, leading to arrests. According to the New York Post, one person was charged with disorderly conduct and obstructing governmental administration, while 11 others received summonses. Police also took a man into custody after he got into an argument with a protester. The incident highlights the emotional intensity of the situation, as supporters of Khalil view his detention as a political attack on his right to express his views.

The protesters, many of whom were students and activists, argued that Khalil’s arrest was an infringement on his First Amendment rights. They accused the Trump administration and Columbia University of collaborating to silence him, calling him a “political prisoner.” The demonstrators shouted slogans like “Move cops, get out the way, we know you’re Israeli-trained” and “Oink, oink, piggy, piggy. We’re gonna make your lives s—tty,” reflecting their frustration with both the police and what they perceive as broader systemic injustices. The protest also drew attention to the broader context of anti-Israel activism on college campuses, which has been a contentious issue since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023. President Trump has vowed to crack down on what he describes as antisemitism by foreign citizens, particularly in academic settings, further polarizing the debate.

The legal battle over Khalil’s detention continues to unfold, with his lawyers fighting to have him returned to New York and released under supervision. U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman has issued a temporary stay of deportation, allowing the court time to consider the arguments presented by Khalil’s legal team. The court’s decision to halt the deportation has been seen as a significant victory for free speech advocates, who argue that the government’s actions are an attempt to suppress dissent. Khalil’s case has also drawn attention to the intersection of immigration enforcement and First Amendment rights, raising questions about the limits of government power in punishing individuals for their political views. The next court hearing in the case is scheduled for Wednesday, as tensions between Khalil’s supporters and law enforcement continue to rise.

Free speech and civil rights organizations have weighed in on Khalil’s detention, criticizing the Trump administration for what they describe as an abuse of power. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression issued a statement condemning the arrest, saying, “This is America. We don’t throw people in detention centers because of their politics. Doing so betrays our national commitment to freedom of speech.” These groups argue that Khalil’s involvement in anti-Israel protests, while contentious, is protected under the Constitution and that his arrest sets a dangerous precedent for targeting activists based on their views. The case has also drawn attention to the broader debate over academic freedom and the role of universities in protecting students’ rights to express controversial opinions.

As the situation continues to unfold, Khalil’s supporters remain determined to bring attention to his case and challenge what they see as an unjust detention. The protests in New York City demonstrate the strong emotions and deep divisions surrounding this issue, with many viewing Khalil as a symbol of resistance against government overreach. The outcome of his legal battle could have far-reaching implications for the balance between immigration enforcement and First Amendment rights in the United States. For now, Khalil’s fate remains uncertain, as the court prepares to hear the arguments that will determine his future. His story serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions between free speech, political activism, and government authority in a deeply polarized society.