Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate, became a symbol of resistance and repression after his arrest by the Trump administration in 2024. Known for his role in pro-Palestinian advocacy, Khalil’s detention sparked outrage, highlighting the intersection of immigration policy, free speech, and political activism.  

Born in a Syrian refugee camp, Khalil later worked at the British Embassy in Beirut before moving to the U.S., where he earned a master’s degree from Columbia University. As a permanent resident married to an American citizen, Khalil’s life was upended when immigration officials arrested him at his university residence, detaining him in New Jersey.  

President Trump labelled Khalil a “radical pro-Hamas student” without evidence, revoking his green card and claiming his activism threatened U.S. interests. Khalil, however, had no criminal record and was never formally charged. His arrest was widely seen as retaliation for his role in mediating Columbia’s Students for Palestine protests, where he advocated for divestment from companies supporting Israel’s military.  

The New York Civil Liberties Union condemned the arrest as an attack on free speech, while Columbia’s Student Workers Union accused the university of complicity in allowing Homeland Security on campus. Critics argue the Trump administration’s actions aim to silence Palestinian voices and stifle dissent, setting a dangerous precedent for academic freedom and political expression.  

Khalil’s case underscores the challenges faced by Palestinian activists in the U.S., where advocacy for justice is increasingly criminalised. As the Trump administration targets more foreign students, Khalil’s story serves as a stark reminder of the need to defend fundamental freedoms and resist political repression.