Supporters Rally at Columbia University Over Pro-Palestinian Activist

(MENAFN) Supporters of pro-Palestinian advocate Mahmoud Khalil assembled Monday outside Columbia University in New York City to commemorate one year since his detention by US immigration authorities. The crowd called for the cessation of deportation proceedings targeting him and other pro-Palestinian demonstrators.

Students, professors, and activists gathered near the Morningside campus gates holding signs that read “ICE OUT OF SCHOOLS,” “FIRST THEY CAME FOR MAHMOUD,” and “IMMIGRANTS ARE WELCOME HERE.”

Khalil, a Columbia alumnus and a lawful US resident, was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in March of last year due to his involvement in pro-Palestine demonstrations on campus. Although a federal immigration judge later granted his release, his deportation case continues to progress in court.

The Trump administration argued that Khalil’s presence posed a risk to US foreign policy and accused him of promoting antisemitism, but it did not present evidence to substantiate these claims. However, US District Judge Michael E. Farbiarz ordered that Khalil be released on bail in June, prohibiting authorities from detaining or deporting him.

During the rally, Khalil criticized Columbia University for facilitating the suppression of pro-Palestine activism.

“They chose to ruin their brand, their institution, their academic freedom just to protect the interest of the Board of Trustees,” he said. “I would say that I hope that Columbia would act, but I know they wouldn't. I know that their anti-Palestinian racism is very rooted in this institution.”

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