Trouble in the Big Apple: Khalil's Deportation

Khalil, a Syrian national, was recently detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The reason? His involvement in a protest in Times Square, New York, where thousands of Hamas and Hezbollah supporters gathered. The protest was led by Columbia University Apartheid Divest, a group Khalil often leads. Khalil is a former graduate student at Columbia University, and his actions have sparked controversy. The protest was not just a peaceful gathering. It was a call to "globalize the intifada. " This phrase is a call to arms, a rallying cry for violence and unrest. Khalil's group, Columbia University Apartheid Divest, has a history of supporting militant groups fighting Israel. They have even rescinded an apology for a member's comments about killing Zionists. This is not just about free speech. It's about inciting violence and terrorism. Khalil's defenders argue that his only crime was being "critical of Israel. " But this is a euphemism for advocating the destruction of the Jewish state. Khalil's group has organized illegal protests on Columbia University grounds, blocking access to buildings and classes, and intimidating Jewish students. This is not free expression. It's harassment and intimidation. Khalil's group has also been involved in violent riots. In 2024, they took credit for vandalizing the Barnard College library and barricading themselves in the building. They draped a giant flag calling for "intifada. " Khalil represented them as a "negotiator. " This is not just about free speech. It's about inciting violence and terrorism. Khalil's deportation is a result of President Donald Trump’s executive orders “prohibiting anti-Semitism. ” But it's also a result of Khalil's actions. He has not been charged with or convicted of a single crime. But that doesn't mean he's innocent. You don’t need to be convicted of a crime to lose your immigration status. The immigration card system exists so that newcomers can be properly vetted. Khalil's case raises important questions about immigration and free speech. Should we allow foreigners who lead groups that incite violence and terrorism to live in the United States? Should we allow them to lead protests that call for the destruction of other countries? These are tough questions. But they're questions we need to ask. Khalil's case also raises questions about the role of universities in society. Should universities be allowed to host groups that incite violence and terrorism? Should they be allowed to host protests that call for the destruction of other countries? These are tough questions. But they're questions we need to ask. Khalil's case is a reminder that immigration is not just about allowing people to live in the United States. It's about allowing people to live in the United States who share our values and beliefs. It's about allowing people to live in the United States who will contribute to our society, not destroy it.