Mahmoud Khalil's Arrest by ICE Sparks Outcry Over Free Speech Rights

Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and former Columbia University graduate student, was arrested by ICE agents in New York, marking the Trump administration's first significant action to deport foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests. Khalil, a legal permanent resident, was detained under claims that he supported Hamas, which the administration ties to recent protests against Israel. His arrest has sparked outrage from civil rights advocates, who argue it represents a violation of First Amendment rights, as it targets individuals for exercising their political beliefs. Critics emphasize the danger of conflating anti-Israel speech with terrorism, warning that such actions could set a precedent for further suppression of dissent on college campuses. Khalil's attorney has pledged to challenge his detention legally, highlighting the potential implications for free speech and civil rights in the U.S. The situation underscores a growing tension between national security policies and constitutional freedoms.