Arrest of pro-Hamas student Mahmoud Khalil is the first “of many to come”

Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist who helped lead student protests at Columbia University faces deportation after being arrested over the weekend by federal immigration officials. But he could be the first of many to be arrested.

President Donald Trump has warned that the apprehension of Mahmoud Khalil represents the “first arrest of many.” However, a federal judge temporarily blocked the 30 year old’s expulsion from the country.

Khalil was detained Saturday night as he and his wife were returning to their Columbia University-owned apartment in upper Manhattan by officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. 

The agents told the couple that Khalil was being detained because his student visa had been revoked. The Department of Homeland Security, confirming his arrest Saturday, accused Khalil of leading “activities aligned to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization.”

The White House noted that Khalil organized protests where pro-Hamas propaganda was distributed. “This administration is not going to tolerate individuals having the privilege of studying in our country and then siding with pro-terrorist organizations that have killed Americans,” said Karoline Leavitt, President Trump’s press secretary.

The Trump administration’s allusion to Khalil’s arrest being the “first of many to come” references foreign individuals in the United States who have possible ties to, or instances of, supporting foreign terrorist organizations, or any organizations or groups that are enemies of the United States.

Mr Trump has stayed tough in his words and actions against the terrorist organization Hamas. Supporting Palestine is protected as free speech, but promoting or working with a terrorist organization is not. It is actively working to undermine the United States.

No doubt that as instances of detainment of suspected terrorist supports occur, there will be long, complicated legal challenges. But President Donald Trump is making something quite clear; you can say whatever you want, but if you actively support a terrorist organization and are on a student visa, you are going to be arrested and deported.