Protests Erupt Over Arrest of Activist Mahmoud Khalil in New York

The arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and recent Columbia University graduate, has sparked widespread outrage and protests following claims from the Trump administration that he supported Hamas. Khalil, a permanent U.S. resident, was detained by immigration officials in front of his pregnant wife, raising concerns about free speech and the legality of his arrest. The American Civil Liberties Union condemned the actions as 'unprecedented, illegal, and un-American,' arguing that they infringe on First Amendment rights. President Trump has indicated that Khalil's arrest is just the beginning of a wider crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism in U.S. universities. A federal judge has temporarily halted deportation proceedings against Khalil, with protests continuing to demand his release. Critics argue that the government's actions could intimidate other activists and chill free speech on contentious political issues.