Columbia students protest Mahmoud Khalil detention, chain themselves to gate
Several Columbia University students have taken a stand by chaining themselves to a gate in protest of Mahmoud Khalil’s detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The students gathered outside Columbia University’s St. Paul’s Chapel on Wednesday afternoon, demanding that the institution release the names of the trustees who they believe reported Khalil to ICE. The Columbia Palestine Solidarity Committee posted on social media stating, “We will not leave until our demand is met.”
The students, with their arms linked, made their voices heard and refused to move until Columbia University provides transparency regarding the involvement of their trustees in Khalil’s arrest. The protesters displayed banners and posters calling for the release of Mahmoud Khalil and for accountability from the university leadership.
A spokesperson for Columbia University stated that the individuals who were chained to the gate were eventually removed by the institution’s public safety officers after approximately two hours. The university emphasized the importance of upholding its mission to educate and create knowledge while maintaining a safe campus environment.
Despite being escorted off campus, the protesters remained steadfast in their resolve. They sat outside the gates, continuing their demonstration and demanding answers from the university. The group expressed their intention to stay until Columbia University discloses which trustee is responsible for informing on students, as reported by the Columbia Daily Spectator.
Protesters, numbering around 80, gathered just outside the St. Paul’s Chapel gate on Columbia University’s campus, drawing attention to their cause. They displayed banners and posters, including one that read, “Free Mahmoud Khalil. Name the trustees.” The demonstration aimed to bring awareness to Khalil’s situation and the perceived injustices that led to his detention by ICE.
Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent figure in the Columbia University anti-Israel movement, was taken into custody by ICE in early March. The Department of Homeland Security accused Khalil of involvement in activities aligned with Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. Khalil, originally from Syria, had immigrated to the U.S. in 2022 and obtained permanent residency in 2024.
The protest at Columbia University reflects the students’ commitment to advocating for justice and accountability within their academic community. The demonstration serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of standing up against perceived injustices. As the students continue to push for transparency and accountability, their voices resonate across the campus, demanding change and seeking justice for Mahmoud Khalil.
