The disturbing arrest and detention of Mahmoud Khalil

The Trump Administration’s evident defiance of fundamental constitutional rights adversely affects us all

On March 8th, Mahmoud Khalil and his 8-month-pregnant wife had just walked into their apartment building after having an Iftar dinner with friends. (Iftar is the meal eaten at night by Muslims during Ramadan to break their fast at sundown.)

As soon as the couple entered the building, two men wearing plain clothes followed them. They asked Khalil if he was Mahmoud Khalil. When he confirmed yes, two other individuals, also not in uniform, came from around the corner; they were already inside the building. (To gain access, they would have needed a key or had to be let in.)

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After being taken into custody that night, Khalil was transferred multiple times; he was last reported to be at an ICE detention center in Louisiana with limited contact with his attorney. He has not seen his wife, who gives birth next month, since his arrest.

Khalil is a legal permanent resident. Hear that again: He is in the U.S. legally.

The Trump Administration issued an official statement that this incident would be used “as a blueprint for investigations against other students.” Regardless of where one stands on Gaza, immigration, or President Trump, Khalil’s story should concern all of us because it sets a dangerous precedent regarding the ongoing vitality of the First Amendment, federal immigration law, due process protections, habeas corpus, and other fundamental rights.

Who is Mahmoud Khalil?

Mahmoud Khalil is Palestinian and grew up in a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria. The family found itself there after his parents were forced to leave behind their generational home (something many Palestinians have faced).

Khalil’s family was displaced a second time when war broke out in Syria; they are now spread throughout Europe and West Asia. Khailil first came to the United States on a student visa in December 2022. He was pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Administration at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. Khalil completed his degree in December 2024 and was supposed to graduate this May.

Khaili became a lawful permanent resident of the United States in 2024. He lives with his wife, who is due to give birth in a matter of weeks. They lived in an apartment building owned and operated by the University.

Why would Khalil be a target of the Trump administration?

Khalil was involved in the protests that took place at Columbia University over the United States government’s policy in Gaza. One of the ways he did this was by representing his peers in mediations and negotiations between the administration of Columbia and its students.

This is core First Amendment stuff.