Republican Senator Tom Cotton has strongly criticized his Democratic colleagues after they publicly called for the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The backlash intensified after the Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats posted an image on social media with the caption "Free Mahmoud Khalil."  

 

 

Khalil, a graduate student and permanent U.S. resident, was at the center of anti-Israel protests at Columbia University last year. His arrest took place on Saturday night at his university-owned apartment, where ICE agents took him into custody. The situation has sparked heated political debate, with Republicans condemning Democratic support for Khalil.  

 

Columbia anti-Israel agitator Mahmoud Khalil being deported over ‘pro-Hamas propaganda flyers,’ White House says

Columbia anti-Israel agitator Mahmoud Khalil being deported over ‘pro-Hamas propaganda flyers,’ White House says https://t.co/FZBDTwRedV pic.twitter.com/ERyt6QfzmX

— New York Post (@nypost) March 11, 2025

 

"Let me get this right: Senator Dick Durbin and the Judiciary Committee Democrats are fighting for a pro-Hamas foreigner who has made life hell for Jews on campus?" Senator Cotton wrote, expressing his disbelief. He further criticized Durbin, reminding the public that the senator had previously voted to cut off military aid to Israel. "Even for Dick Durbin, this is remarkable," Cotton added.  

 

"If you tell us: I am a big supporter of Hamas, a murderous, barbaric group...and if you tell us, and by the way I intend to come to your country as a student and rile up all kinds of antisemitic activities, I intend to shut down your universities - we would deny your visa"

In which @SecRubio spells out why America has the right to deny terror-supporters and Jew-haters entry to the United States:

"If you tell us: I am a big supporter of Hamas, a murderous, barbaric group...and if you tell us, and by the way I intend to come to your country as a… pic.twitter.com/aGXdsx6js6

— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) March 12, 2025

 

The issue has also drawn the attention of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who announced on Sunday that his department would be revoking visas and green cards of individuals in the U.S. who support Hamas, aiming to deport them. The Trump administration has taken a firm stance, with President Donald Trump stating on Monday that Khalil’s arrest was "the first of many" as the government cracks down on what he described as "pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic, anti-American activity."  

 

Senator Josh Hawley also weighed in, calling the Democrats’ immediate response to Khalil’s arrest "bizarre." He stated, "If these folks commit crimes, if they commit unlawful acts of any kind, they assault students, they threaten people on campus... I'm all for deporting them."  

 

 

During a White House press briefing on Tuesday, press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked whether the Trump administration believes a green card holder must be charged with a crime to face deportation. She responded by emphasizing that Secretary Rubio has the authority to revoke Khalil’s visa.

 

According to Leavitt, the Secretary of State can take action against individuals deemed "adversarial to the foreign policy and national security interests" of the United States. She further accused Khalil of distributing "pro-Hamas propaganda" on campus, making it clear that the administration would not allow foreign students to promote ideologies linked to terrorist organizations responsible for American deaths.  

 

As tensions escalated, protests erupted in New York City in support of Khalil. On Tuesday afternoon, demonstrators clashed with the NYPD, resulting in about a dozen arrests. Protesters blocked a downtown Manhattan street, defying repeated police warnings to disperse. The scene grew chaotic as demonstrators chanted, "Move cops, get out the way, we know you’re Israeli trained," while others hurled insults at officers. Video footage captured protesters taunting law enforcement with phrases like "Oink, oink, piggy, piggy. We’re gonna make your lives s–tty."  

 

The protests, which swelled to around 500 people, saw demonstrators chanting slogans like, "There is only one solution, intifada revolution." The controversy has drawn mixed reactions from bystanders, including a tourist from Texas who questioned why many protesters covered their faces with masks and Palestinian headdresses.  

 

With political tensions running high, Khalil’s case has become a flashpoint in the ongoing national debate over free speech, immigration policies, and the limits of activism on college campuses. The Trump administration appears determined to continue its crackdown, while Democrats face mounting criticism for their vocal support of Khalil.  

 

Related Topics:

Federal Education Department Investigates 60 Universities Over Antisemitism Allegations

Trump’s Bold Stand Against Campus Antisemitism Sends a Clear Message

Trump Border Czar: ICE Will ‘Absolutely’ Deport Legal Immigrants

Trump Threatens to Cut Federal Funding Over Campus Protests

U.S. State Dept to Use AI to Revoke Visas of Foreign Students with Alleged Ties to Hamas

 

Based on a report by NYP  2025-03-14

 

 

Quote

President Donald Trump stating on Monday that Khalil’s arrest was "the first of many"

One can only hope, get as many of them out of the country as possible or American universities will no longer be desirable for many

Has Mr. Khalil been charged with a crime?

 

 

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, confirmed Khalil’s arrest in a statement Sunday, describing it as being “in support of President Trump’s executive orders prohibiting anti-Semitism.”

10 minutes ago, bamnutsak said:

Has Mr. Khalil been charged with a crime?

Non US citizens in the US don’t have to be charged with a crime to be arrested and deported.

2 minutes ago, novacova said:

Non US citizens in the US don’t have to be charged with a crime to be arrested and deported.

 

So the answer to my question is "No"?

 

Please share the "reasons" that a Green Card holder and the spouse of a U.S. citizen can be detained and deported without due process.

2 minutes ago, bamnutsak said:

 

So the answer to my question is "No"?

 

Please share the "reasons" that a Green Card holder and the spouse of a U.S. citizen can be detained and deported without due process.

Terrorist supporters. Theres alot of em. They dont belong in the US

13 minutes ago, hotsun said:

Terrorist supporters. Theres alot of em. They dont belong in the US

The Government will have the opportunity to present to the Immigration Court any evidence  they have of Mahmoud Khalil supporting terrorists.

 

They might also want to present their warrant under which Mahmoud Khalil was arrested.

It's amazing how consistently the Dems get it wrong. It's pretty much on every issue. 😄

 

On the plus side, it's exactly this type of stance that ensures the GOP will get the many terms they need to Make America Great Again. 

 

1 minute ago, Chomper Higgot said:

The Government will have the opportunity to present to the Immigration Court any evidence  they have of Mahmoud Khalil supporting terrorists.

 

They might also want to present their warrant under which Mahmoud Khalil was arrested.

Not a chance, this isnt the UK. Trump isnt giving these people an inch

Democrats support men in women's sports and terrorists. 

2 minutes ago, hotsun said:

Not a chance, this isnt the UK. Trump isnt giving these people an inch

No the US isn’t the UK the Constitution of the U.S. applies.

 

 

2 minutes ago, Mike_Hunt said:

Democrats support men in women's sports and terrorists. 

Democrats support the rule of law under the Constitution.

You might want to read it some time.

 

Just now, Chomper Higgot said:

No the US isn’t the UK the Constitution of the U.S. applies.

 

Where does it apply to this case? This is about American immigration law. 

5 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Democrats support the rule of law under the Constitution.

You might want to read it some time.

 

LOL...LOL....LOL

This is why I can't vote for Democrats.  This is such as waste of time and effort. 

 

 

As predicted the arrest, detention and deportation of Mahmoud Khalil is now a matter before the courts:

 

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/demonstrators-take-nycs-federal-plaza-mahmoud-khalil-arrested-ice-rcna195602

37 minutes ago, bamnutsak said:

 

So the answer to my question is "No"?

 

Please share the "reasons" that a Green Card holder and the spouse of a U.S. citizen can be detained and deported without due process.

 

 

Not charged as of yet; however, Mahmoud Khalil is a pro-Hamas activist, and as such, is a serious threat to the national security of the US; if you don’t think that is a good enough reason for him to be deported, then you are part of the problem.

 

Supporting and enabling terrorist sympathisers and antisemites is the reason that the Democrats were flushed down the gurgler at the recent election, something it seems you have failed to grasp.

 

 

 

4 minutes ago, Mike_Hunt said:

This is why I can't vote for Democrats.  This is such as waste of time and effort. 

 

 

Are sure you know what thread you are posting in?

Just now, Eloquent pilgrim said:

 

 

Not charged as of yet; however, Mahmoud Khalil is a pro-Hamas activist, and as such, is a serious threat to the national security of the US; if you don’t think that is a good enough reason for him to be deported, then you are part of the problem.

 

Supporting and enabling terrorist sympathisers and antisemites is the reason that the Democrats were flushed down the gurgler at the recent election, something it seems you have failed to grasp.

 

 

 

And yet no charges laid, which begs the question what are your claims based upon? Allegations in the rightwing press and on social media?

 

 

 

The Democrats have lost the plot; with their move to the right, it is not surprising that many big donors are holding back of more funding.

8 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

And yet no charges laid, which begs the question what are your claims based upon? Allegations in the rightwing press and on social media?

 

It begs it for you yes but in the real world there does not have to be charges laid, another deflection point from you.

 

As for allegations and evidence, they are on video for all to see. Right wing press?

 

Have you read the OP and the statements on video?

 

 

 

5 minutes ago, Eloquent pilgrim said:

Not charged as of yet; however, Mahmoud Khalil is a pro-Hamas activist, and as such, is a serious threat to the national security of the US

 

Not charged? Check.

 

Activist = "Serious" threat to national security. 

 

 

That's your "opinion"? Right?

 

 

Maybe better to try invoking the Alien and Sedition Act of 1798 ( and the Alien Enemies Act )?

 

Last used, to great shame, to incarcerate Japanese-American citizens (among others) during WW2.

 

 

 

 

 

 

9 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

And yet no charges laid, which begs the question what are your claims based upon? Allegations in the rightwing press and on social media?

 

 

 

 

 

As an American, I thought you would have adequate knowledge about the activities of Mahmoud Khalil, so I assume you are just playing your favourite “contrarian” card again.

 

However, no surprise to find you supporting a terrorist sympathiser and antisemite, despite your repeated, disingenuous, and tiresome claims of impartiality.

 

 

11 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Are sure you know what thread you are posting in?

A thread to take a dump on Democrats. 

Just now, bamnutsak said:

 

Not charged? Check.

 

Activist = "Serious" threat to national security. 

 

 

That's your "opinion"? Right?

 

 

Maybe better to try invoking the Alien and Sedition Act of 1798 ( and the Alien Enemies Act )?

 

Last used, to great shame, to incarcerate Japanese-American citizens (among others) during WW2.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks FDR (D)

Just now, bamnutsak said:

 

Not charged? Check.

 

Activist = "Serious" threat to national security. 

 

 

That's your "opinion"? Right?

 

 

Maybe better to try invoking the Alien and Sedition Act of 1798 ( and the Alien Enemies Act )?

 

Last used, to great shame, to incarcerate Japanese-American citizens (among others) during WW2.

 

No fact:

Check US immigration Law

 8 USC 1182 and 8 USC 1227

Time, I think, for a writ of habeas corpus from the NY Court.

 

1 minute ago, Bkk Brian said:

No fact:

Check US immigration Law

 8 USC 1182 and 8 USC 1227

 

Which section are you saying is applicable?

 

4.

 

(B) Terrorist activities
Any alien who is described in subparagraph (B) or (F) of section 1182(a)(3) of this title is deportable.

 

(C) Foreign policy
(i) In general
An alien whose presence or activities in the United States the Secretary of State has reasonable ground to believe would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States is deportable.

2 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Time, I think, for a writ of habeas corpus from the NY Court.

 

Rubbish you have no idea of the laws

 

 

What happened to FREE SPEECH ?

 

Didn't JD Vance go to Europe and lecture everyone about allowing free speech?

 

Or is free speech (usually an opportunity to be racist) only the kind of speech YOU want to hear. 

 

Hypocrisy is unbelievable.