Columbia University students chain themselves to gate in protest of Mahmoud Khalil’s detention by ICE

Several Columbia University students have taken a stand by chaining themselves to a gate in protest of Mahmoud Khalil’s detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The students gathered outside Columbia University’s St. Paul’s Chapel, demanding that the institution release the names of the trustees who allegedly provided Khalil’s name to ICE. The Columbia Palestine Solidarity Committee made it clear that they would not leave until their demand was met.

The group, consisting of Jewish students, remained chained to the campus gates, calling for accountability from Columbia University. They specifically demanded to know which trustee reported Mahmoud to ICE. Despite their efforts, the individuals chained to the gate were eventually removed by the institution’s public safety officers after approximately two hours.

Columbia University responded to the incident by stating that the individuals had violated the Rules of University Conduct and were escorted off campus after refusing to leave the area. The university emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe campus environment while upholding its core mission of teaching, creating, and advancing knowledge.

Following the removal of the protesters, they continued to sit outside the gates with their arms linked, vowing to remain until Columbia disclosed which trustee was responsible for informing on students. The university clarified that no member of its leadership or board of trustees had requested the presence of ICE agents on or near campus. They stressed the importance of law enforcement having a judicial warrant to enter non-public university areas.

Approximately 80 protesters gathered outside the St. Paul’s Chapel gate on Columbia University’s campus, with additional demonstrators displaying a poster off a nearby overpass that read, “Free Mahmoud Khalil. Name the trustees.” Khalil, a prominent figure in the Columbia University anti-Israel movement, was detained by ICE agents in New York City in early March. The Department of Homeland Security accused Khalil of leading activities aligned with Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. Despite his background as a Syrian-born individual who became a permanent resident in 2024, Khalil’s detention sparked outrage among the student body at Columbia University.

In conclusion, the protest at Columbia University exemplifies the ongoing activism and advocacy efforts of students in response to immigration issues and allegations of unfair treatment by law enforcement agencies. The university’s handling of the situation underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing sensitive matters involving students and community members.