Free speech advocates have highlighted that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accused Khalil of engaging in "activities aligned with Hamas, a designated terrorist organization." However, analysts argue that the department’s allegations lack concrete evidence. U.S. law, for instance, prohibits individuals within the country’s jurisdiction from providing "material support" to terrorist groups. Experts contend that the rationale behind Khalil’s arrest was overly broad and could be used to silence critics of Israel and U.S. foreign policy.
"It’s a loophole so big that you could drive a truck through it," said Will Creeley, legal director of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), in an interview with Al Jazeera. He added, "What’s perhaps most dangerous about this moment is that, given the rhetoric coming from the administration, people across the country may second-guess criticizing the government, whether it’s the U.S. or Israeli government. This chilling effect is a real problem."
The attempt to equate criticism of Israel with support for terrorism seems to echo Project 2025, a controversial policy proposal drafted by the Heritage Foundation, a right-wing think tank, for a potential second Trump term. The document has raised concerns for its expansive interpretation of executive power and its stance on issues like the pro-Palestinian protest movement. One Project 2025 proposal claims that pro-Palestine protests are part of a "highly organized, global Hamas Support Network (HSN)" and thus effectively constitute a terrorist support network.
Khalil’s attorney, Greer, told media outlets that during a phone call with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, they appeared to have incorrect information about Khalil’s immigration status. Initially, they informed her they were revoking his student visa. Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student until December, had been in the U.S. on a student visa but has since obtained a green card, making him a lawful permanent resident. When Greer informed ICE agents of his permanent resident status, they reportedly said his green card would be revoked instead.
Nithya Nathan-Pineau, a policy lawyer with the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, explained that green card status can be revoked under certain circumstances, such as fraud in the immigration application process or criminal activity. However, she noted, "I haven’t seen any information about criminal convictions or arrests. It sounds like the ICE agents unilaterally decided that whatever immigration status he had, it didn’t matter."
Greer and Khalil’s wife were initially told he was being held in an immigration detention facility in New Jersey, but upon arrival, he was not there. Reports indicate he has been transferred to a detention center in Louisiana. Nathan-Pineau explained, "This is a tactic ICE frequently employs—moving someone to a facility far from their legal assistance, community, and loved ones. It increases the psychological strain of detention."
Greer has formally challenged Khalil’s detention, and a federal court is scheduled to hear the case on March 12.
Caption for the image accompanying the article:
Columbia University student negotiator Mahmoud Khalil speaks to media on campus on April 29, 2024. [Ted Shaffrey/AP Photo]
For the latest updates and more news, visit ZTC News and ZNews Today. Stay informed with our comprehensive coverage and breaking stories!