Protests Erupt Over Arrest of Columbia Student Activist

The arrest of Columbia University student activist Mahmoud Khalil by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has sparked protests in New York. Khalil, who led pro-Palestinian demonstrations, had his student visa revoked and green card invalidated by the U.S. State Department.

Thousands of students from Columbia, NYU, CUNY, and other universities gathered at Federal Plaza in Manhattan, chanting slogans such as “Free Mahmoud” and “Universities Must Stay Free.” Protesters denounced the Trump administration’s immigration policies and their impact on academic freedom.

The NYPD and federal authorities tightened security during the demonstration, with one person briefly detained. Activists vowed to escalate protests, with a national demonstration planned in Washington, D.C., demanding Khalil’s release and an end to ICE’s actions against students.