U.S. Lawmakers Condemn ICE Arrest of Activist Khalil

The arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and pro-Palestinian activist, has sparked significant backlash from lawmakers and civil rights organizations in the U.S. Khalil was detained by ICE agents at his university residence, leading Representative Rashida Tlaib to label the arrest an attack on free speech. President Trump defended the action, labeling Khalil as a 'Radical Foreign Pro-Hamas Student' and suggesting more arrests of similar activists are imminent, citing a crackdown on what he calls anti-American activities at universities. Khalil's attorney, Amy Greer, argued that his arrest was wrongful, asserting that he is a legal permanent resident and not subject to deportation as claimed by ICE. The situation has raised alarms about potential threats to constitutional rights and freedom of expression, with some officials warning of dangerous precedents being set. Amidst this, Khalil's wife, who is pregnant, was reportedly threatened with arrest during the incident.