Trump Administration’s Filing Confirms Absence of Arrest Warrant
Mahmoud Khalil warrantless arrest: Columbia University activist and U.S. resident arrested without a warrant in March, court documents show. The admission by the Trump administration contradicts its earlier claims that a warrant was presented.
Khalil, 30, had organized pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus. On March 8, he was detained by plainclothes immigration agents in the lobby of his apartment building in Manhattan.
Government Claims Emergency Circumstances
According to Department of Homeland Security lawyers, Khalil was arrested under “exigent circumstances.” They cited Khalil as a potential “flight risk,” stating this justified a warrantless arrest.
However, his lawyers say this is false.
Legal Team Calls Arrest ‘Outrageous’ and ‘Unlawful’
Marc Van Der Hout, Khalil’s attorney, called the arrest “egregious conduct.” He argued that immigration officials lied in official documents. The warrant was never shown at the time of arrest, though it was mentioned in the initial report.
Attorney Amy Greer added that Khalil followed orders and did not attempt to flee. “He complied calmly,” she said. “They never showed us a warrant because they didn’t have one.”
Khalil Held Despite No Criminal Charges
Khalil has not been charged with a crime. He holds a green card and has filed for asylum. He is married to Noor Abdalla, a U.S. citizen, who gave birth on April 21 while he remained in ICE custody.
The government claims his activism poses “foreign policy consequences.” His supporters say this is a political excuse to silence dissent.
Protests and Political Context
Khalil’s arrest occurred during a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian speech under the Trump administration. Activists say officials are conflating criticism of Israel with terrorism or hate speech.
Civil rights groups warn that his case reflects a dangerous precedent. “This is a political prosecution,” Greer said. “Khalil is now, by the government’s admission, a political prisoner.”
Deportation Case Moves Forward
A Louisiana immigration judge allowed the deportation process to continue on April 11. Khalil’s legal team is also fighting in federal court in New Jersey, claiming constitutional rights violations.
Despite public outrage, DHS continues to argue for deportation, relying on national security language to justify actions that legal experts say threaten civil liberties.
Source: USA Today
