Columbia University has become a focal point in the ongoing cultural conflicts in the United States. The Trump administration is using a former Columbia student and the institution itself as a test case for its new policies. The situation extends beyond Mahmoud Khalil, a former graduate student in international affairs who led pro-Palestinian demonstrations following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. When immigration officials detained Khalil at his home and transported him to Louisiana for deportation proceedings, it highlighted the administration's harsh and flawed approach.
The errors were evident from the outset. Authorities mistakenly believed Khalil was in the U.S. on a student visa, but he is actually a green-card holder, legally residing in the country. Despite this, Khalil was denied access to his lawyer until a federal judge intervened. His arrest separated him from his American wife, who was eight months pregnant at the time.
The Department of Homeland Security cited that Khalil's presence could negatively impact U.S. foreign policy. However, this claim seems to stem from his involvement in protests rather than any illegal activities. An administration official confirmed that Khalil was not accused of breaking the law.