Columbia University student says his detention is indicative of anti-Palestinian racism in US [Video]

ICE arrested Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and green card holder, amid President Trump’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian campus activism. He now faces possible deportation despite no criminal charges. (AP Video / March 10, 2025)

By Larry Neumeister The Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — A Columbia University student arrested and threatened with deportation for his role in campus protests against Israel gave his first public statement Tuesday, saying that his detention is indicative of “anti-Palestinian racism” demonstrated by both the Trump and Biden administrations.

In a letter dictated from a Louisiana immigration lockup and released by his attorney, the student, Mahmoud Khalil, said he is being targeted as part of a larger effort to repress Palestinian voices.

More from The Star & partners

Please log in to use this feature