ICE Held Columbia Student Without Warrant, Lawyers Say

Federal immigration authorities admitted in court filings that they arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a Syrian-born Columbia University graduate student and pro-Palestinian activist, without a warrant in March, citing 'exigent circumstances' and a perceived flight risk. Khalil, a U.S. permanent resident, was detained outside his university-owned apartment in New York and is currently held in Louisiana. The Department of Homeland Security argued the warrantless arrest was lawful due to fears that Khalil would escape, but his attorneys dispute this, referencing video evidence showing cooperation and no attempt to flee. Khalil's lawyers also allege ICE agents misled both Khalil and the court by falsely claiming a warrant existed at the time of arrest. The case has gained attention as a possible example of Trump administration efforts to target foreign-born student activists involved in pro-Palestinian protests. Khalil missed the birth of his son last week after his request for temporary release was denied.