Karoline Leavitt Gives Update On Columbia Grad Immigration Case
The arrest and green card revocation of former Columbia graduate student Mahmoud Khalil mark a significant moment in the ongoing national debate over immigration, national security, and free speech on college campuses. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the situation head-on, stating that Khalil’s removal from the country was justified under existing immigration laws that allow the government to revoke visas or green cards for individuals deemed adversarial to U.S. national security interests.
In this country, we have the First Amendment. We cannot be the Land of the Free if we throw people in detention centers because of their politics.
Doing so betrays our national commitment to free speech and threatens the rights of millions.
🎥: @NicoPerrino
📺: @TheLeadCNN pic.twitter.com/aJkjPCqj4j— FIRE (@TheFIREorg) March 12, 2025
Khalil, a Syrian national of Palestinian descent, had been a prominent figure in last year’s protests at Columbia University, serving as a spokesperson and leading negotiations with university officials.
His activism, particularly his vocal support for Hamas, drew the attention of federal authorities, culminating in his arrest over the weekend at his campus apartment. According to Leavitt, his advocacy for Hamas—a group responsible for violent attacks against civilians—constituted grounds for deportation, even in the absence of a specific criminal charge.
It’s been 72 hours since federal agents abducted a legal permanent resident from our city and Andrew Cuomo still hasn’t said a word.
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) March 11, 2025
Leavitt further revealed that Columbia University has been given a list of students who allegedly expressed pro-Hamas sentiments but has refused to cooperate with federal authorities. The Trump administration has made it clear that non-compliance from universities will not be tolerated, emphasizing that institutions of higher learning must align with national security priorities.
I asked an immigration attorney I trust and have had some dealings with whether the Mahmoud Khalil case represents scary territory. He said yes, it does. pic.twitter.com/tOTEG7XbwJ
— Jesse Singal (@jessesingal) March 10, 2025
A federal judge has temporarily blocked Khalil’s deportation while legal challenges unfold, leaving his future uncertain. With Syria in turmoil following the recent overthrow of its government by the terrorist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, it remains unclear where he could be sent if deportation proceeds.
Mahmoud Khalil’s group wants to eradicate Western Civilization & foment unrest in the United States. President Trump & @SecRubio are well within their legal rights to deport this radical. We are either going to stand up or become Europe. I’m 100% behind the President. pic.twitter.com/0shUR407pr
— Scott Jennings (@ScottJenningsKY) March 11, 2025