Video shows the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, pro-Palestinian Columbia University activist
New video footage has emerged showing the arrest of Columbia University pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The video, captured by Khalil’s wife Noor Abdalla, who is eight months pregnant, was released by the ACLU. The arrest took place at their home in Columbia University campus housing on a Saturday night.
In the video, which is over eight minutes long, ICE agents can be seen confronting Khalil in the lobby of his building, asking him to turn around and accusing him of resisting arrest. Khalil is compliant and is seen standing with his hands behind his back as he is handcuffed. Abdalla can be heard in the background reassuring Khalil and expressing her concerns.
After being handcuffed, Khalil is escorted out of the building while Abdalla is heard on the phone with Khalil’s attorney, Amy Greer. The agents inform Abdalla that Khalil is being taken into immigration custody at 26 Federal Plaza. Despite Abdalla’s requests to speak with the agents, Khalil is taken to a detention center in New Jersey and later flown to Louisiana, where a judge ruled that he would remain detained for the time being.
Abdalla, in a statement released by the ACLU, described the incident as “the most terrifying moment of my life.” She criticized the officers for not showing a warrant, refusing to speak with their attorney, or revealing their names. The ACLU Deputy Director, Esha Bhandari, condemned the government’s actions, stating that they violated the First Amendment and due process.
Khalil’s arrest sparked protests across New York City, with approximately 150 protesters entering Trump Tower and staging a sit-in chanting “Free Mahmoud.” Ninety-eight individuals were arrested during the protest. Khalil, a graduate of Columbia University with a master’s degree, was born in Syria to Palestinian parents and is a citizen of Algeria.
In light of Khalil’s arrest, DHS also announced the self-deportation of a Columbia University doctoral student from India and the arrest of another woman for overstaying her student visa. The university denied any record of the second woman being a student there. The developments have raised concerns about freedom of speech and due process rights in the United States.
The incident has sparked outrage and calls for justice for Khalil, highlighting the challenges faced by immigrant activists and the need for reform in immigration enforcement practices. The video serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of dissent and the importance of protecting individuals’ rights in a democracy.
