Columbia Graduate Detained by ICE: Former British Government Employee Faces Deportation
Mahmoud Khalil, a recent Columbia University graduate and former UK government employee, is facing deportation amid claims of a threat to US foreign policy.
Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate of Columbia University's master’s program, is currently detained and threatened with deportation by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The Trump administration has characterized Khalil as a potential risk to US foreign policy, citing his involvement in protests on the Columbia campus and alleging connections to Hamas, an organization designated as a terrorist group.
Khalil, a Palestinian born in Syria, was arrested on 9 March at his home while returning from a dinner with his wife, Noor Abdalla, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Abdalla, who is eight months pregnant, described his arrest as a kidnapping and expressed her dismay at the continued detention of her husband, emphasizing the devastating impact it has had on their lives.
Khalil was employed by the British government before moving to the United States, where he was involved in programs that informed and shaped British foreign policy regarding Syria.
Andrew Waller, a former British diplomat, praised Khalil as a thoughtful and valued colleague during his time at the UK office for Syria located within the British embassy in Beirut.
Waller criticized the US administration for arresting Khalil based on his political opinions and highlighted the importance of non-British nationals working in diplomatic roles, stating that Khalil’s contributions were essential for the UK’s operational effectiveness abroad.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not disclosed any specific criminal charges against Khalil, nor has it clarified how his actions invalidate his status as a legal permanent resident.
The legal basis for his potential deportation refers to immigration provisions allowing the Secretary of State to act on the belief that an individual’s presence may result in adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.
Columbia University has faced scrutiny regarding its protective measures for students involved in protests, as Khalil had reportedly sought legal support from the university shortly before his arrest.
The university administration reiterated its commitment to freedom of speech while acknowledging the legal obligations it must adhere to.
Amidst the rising concerns over students' security related to political engagement on campus, the White House spokesperson noted that intelligence resources are being used to identify other students participating in demonstrations, particularly those concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Legal representatives for Khalil have pointed out the contradictions in the claims against him, emphasizing that his status as a vetted former employee of the British government should affirm his credibility.
They noted that, after undergoing extensive background checks prior to receiving a green card in 2022, he was granted residency as the spouse of an American citizen, challenging the assertion that he poses a threat to national security.
During his tenure with the British government, Khalil was involved in the Chevening scholarship program, which supports international students studying in the UK. His advocacy for humanitarian issues stems from his own experiences as a political exile from Syria, where he fled the oppressive regime amidst the ongoing civil war, motivated by a desire to help others in vulnerable positions.
Waller and other supporters have called for recognition from the British government regarding Khalil’s previous service and the broader implications of his detention on freedom of speech and political expression.
The Trump administration has characterized Khalil as a potential risk to US foreign policy, citing his involvement in protests on the Columbia campus and alleging connections to Hamas, an organization designated as a terrorist group.
Khalil, a Palestinian born in Syria, was arrested on 9 March at his home while returning from a dinner with his wife, Noor Abdalla, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Abdalla, who is eight months pregnant, described his arrest as a kidnapping and expressed her dismay at the continued detention of her husband, emphasizing the devastating impact it has had on their lives.
Khalil was employed by the British government before moving to the United States, where he was involved in programs that informed and shaped British foreign policy regarding Syria.
Andrew Waller, a former British diplomat, praised Khalil as a thoughtful and valued colleague during his time at the UK office for Syria located within the British embassy in Beirut.
Waller criticized the US administration for arresting Khalil based on his political opinions and highlighted the importance of non-British nationals working in diplomatic roles, stating that Khalil’s contributions were essential for the UK’s operational effectiveness abroad.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not disclosed any specific criminal charges against Khalil, nor has it clarified how his actions invalidate his status as a legal permanent resident.
The legal basis for his potential deportation refers to immigration provisions allowing the Secretary of State to act on the belief that an individual’s presence may result in adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.
Columbia University has faced scrutiny regarding its protective measures for students involved in protests, as Khalil had reportedly sought legal support from the university shortly before his arrest.
The university administration reiterated its commitment to freedom of speech while acknowledging the legal obligations it must adhere to.
Amidst the rising concerns over students' security related to political engagement on campus, the White House spokesperson noted that intelligence resources are being used to identify other students participating in demonstrations, particularly those concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Legal representatives for Khalil have pointed out the contradictions in the claims against him, emphasizing that his status as a vetted former employee of the British government should affirm his credibility.
They noted that, after undergoing extensive background checks prior to receiving a green card in 2022, he was granted residency as the spouse of an American citizen, challenging the assertion that he poses a threat to national security.
During his tenure with the British government, Khalil was involved in the Chevening scholarship program, which supports international students studying in the UK. His advocacy for humanitarian issues stems from his own experiences as a political exile from Syria, where he fled the oppressive regime amidst the ongoing civil war, motivated by a desire to help others in vulnerable positions.
Waller and other supporters have called for recognition from the British government regarding Khalil’s previous service and the broader implications of his detention on freedom of speech and political expression.
