Mahmoud Khalil is a Syrian born, former Columbia University student who has played a central role in promoting extremist ideology, engaging in disruptive and illegal activities, and inciting antisemitic hatred under the banner of activism. A known agitator on campus, Khalil led efforts to glorify terrorism, promote anti-Jewish violence, and spread radical propaganda at Columbia University. His leadership in Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) and involvement in illegal protests, encampments, and violent takeovers of campus buildings mark him as a dangerous ideologue, rather than an academic or activist.

On March 8, 2025, Khalil was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Columbia University for violating visa regulations and engaging in activities that posed a national security risk. ICE acted on orders from the State Department, which revoked Khalil’s student visa and green card due to his association with extremist activities and terrorist sympathies.

A History of Extremism and Antisemitic Incitement

Leader of Radical Campus Occupations

• April-May 2024 Encampments: Khalil was a central organizer of the CUAD-led illegal encampments at Columbia University. These protests blocked Jewish students from accessing campus spaces, featured open glorification of terrorism, and promoted antisemitic chants and rhetoric.
• Hamilton Hall Takeover (April 29 – May 2, 2024): Khalil led the illegal occupation of Columbia’s Hamilton Hall, where protesters destroyed university property, incited violence, and were ultimately removed by the NYPD.
• January 21, 2025 Disruption of Class: Khalil was involved in disrupting a history course on modern Israel, leading a group that distributed pamphlets glorifying Hamas and advocating violence against Jews.

Defending Terrorism

• March 2024 “Palestine 101” Event: Khalil was recorded justifying Hamas attacks as “armed resistance,” refusing to condemn the group’s violent actions.
• Social Media and Public Statements: Khalil consistently downplayed terrorist atrocities while amplifying anti-Jewish propaganda and extreme rhetoric against Western democracies.

Arrest and Legal Consequences

• March 8, 2025: ICE agents detained Khalil at Columbia University’s residence hall, citing his visa revocation due to ties to extremist activities.
• March 12, 2025: Khalil’s immigration hearing was held at 26 Federal Plaza, where authorities reviewed his record of incitement, antisemitism, and illegal activities before taking further action.

Ties to Extremist Organizations

• Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD): Khalil was a senior organizer of CUAD, a group that repeatedly engaged in antisemitic and violent demonstrations on campus.
• United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA): According to his LinkedIn profile, Khalil worked as a political affairs officer at UNRWA from June – November 2023, an agency whose members have been linked to terrorist organizations and have been found actively spreading anti-Jewish propaganda.

A Pattern of Violence and Incitement

• March 5, 2025: Despite no longer being a Columbia student, Khalil illegally participated in the occupation of Barnard College Library, defying university regulations.
• January 2025 Protests: Khalil led demonstrations at the start of Columbia’s semester that resulted in violent clashes with police and multiple arrests.
• May 1, 2024 – Social Media Confession: In a post from LinkedIn, Khalil openly acknowledged his role as a protest leader, reaffirming his commitment to radicalism and justifying student disruptions.

From Radicalization to Deportation

Khalil is not an academic, activist, or human rights advocate—he is a radical agitator, a propagandist for extremist causes, and a threat to campus safety and civil discourse. His detention by ICE is a necessary step in preventing further incitement, antisemitism, and terrorist glorification on U.S. soil.