Columbia Students Chain Themselves to Protest ICE Detention of Khalil

Several Columbia University students chained themselves to the institution's gates on Wednesday afternoon, protesting the detention of Mahmoud Khalil by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The students gathered outside Columbia University's St. Paul’s Chapel, demanding that the university release the names of the trustees "who gave Mahmoud Khalil’s name to ICE."

Protest Erupts at Columbia University

The Columbia Palestine Solidarity Committee took to X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, "We will not leave until our demand is met. Free Mahmoud Khalil. Free Palestine." The committee further emphasized their stance on X, writing, "FREE MAHMOUD KHALIL. NAME THE TRUSTEE. Jewish students will not leave. They will remain chained to the campus gates until @Columbia University is held accountable. WHO REPORTED MAHMOUD TO ICE?"

Students' actions were met with a response from Columbia University officials. A spokesperson for the university informed Fox News Digital that the individuals chained to the gate on campus were removed by public safety officers after approximately two hours. The spokesperson stated, "Individuals complied with the demand for identification but refused to leave the area. The chains were removed by Columbia’s Public Safety and the individuals were escorted off campus."

The spokesperson added, "We will follow the process established in the Rules of University Conduct for enforcing violations. Our focus is on preserving our core mission to teach, create, and advance knowledge while ensuring a safe campus for our community."

Protesters Remain Determined

Despite being removed from the gate, the protesters continued their demonstration by sitting outside the gates with their arms linked. They expressed their intention to remain until Columbia University shares "which trustee is responsible for informing on students," according to the Columbia Daily Spectator.

A spokesperson for the New York Police Department confirmed that approximately 80 protesters gathered just outside the St. Paul’s Chapel gate on Columbia University's campus. Protesters also displayed a poster from a nearby overpass reading: "Free Mahmoud Khalil. Name the trustees."

Khalil's Detention and Allegations

Mahmoud Khalil, one of the leaders of the Columbia University anti-Israel encampment in spring 2024, was detained by ICE agents in New York City in early March. The Department of Homeland Security alleged that Khalil "led activities aligned to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization."

Born in Syria and arriving in the U.S. in 2022, Khalil became a permanent resident in 2024. His detention has sparked controversy and protests on campus, with students demanding transparency from university officials regarding their role in his arrest.