NEW YORK (AP) — In a shocking turn of events, federal immigration authorities have detained Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student who played a significant role in protests against Israel at Columbia University in Manhattan. Khalil was taken into custody inside a university-owned residence over the weekend, according to his attorney, Amy Greer.

The arrest of Khalil is believed to be one of the first known actions taken under President Donald Trump’s promise to deport international students who participated in protests against the war in Gaza on college campuses in the spring. The administration alleges that by supporting Hamas, a designated terror organization, these students forfeited their right to remain in the United States.

After being taken into custody, Khalil’s wife, who is eight months pregnant and an American citizen, was also threatened with arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The reason for Khalil’s detainment remains unclear, as authorities have not provided any information to his attorney.

Despite efforts to locate Khalil, including a visit to an immigration detention facility in New Jersey, his whereabouts are still unknown. The lack of transparency surrounding the case has raised concerns about due process and the escalation of enforcement actions against individuals expressing dissenting opinions.

The situation highlights the ongoing tensions on college campuses regarding activism and politically sensitive topics. Khalil’s involvement in negotiations with university officials and his support for pro-Palestinian causes have drawn scrutiny from both the administration and disciplinary bodies at Columbia University.

The actions taken against Khalil also coincide with the Trump administration’s broader efforts to cut funding to institutions like Columbia that are perceived as failing to address issues of antisemitism. This development further complicates the landscape of academic freedom and political expression on campuses.

The case of Mahmoud Khalil underscores the challenges faced by individuals engaging in activism and dissent in a polarized environment where political ideologies intersect with immigration policies. The lack of accountability and transparency in his detainment leaves many questions unanswered and raises concerns about the broader implications for freedom of speech and expression in academic settings.