New Yorkers Protest as White House Defends Arrest of Columbia Activist
Briefly

Protests in Lower Manhattan erupted over the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist from Columbia University. Khalil, arrested and now held in Louisiana, is critiqued for actions seen as disruptive and harmful to students. The White House backed the arrest, citing authority to revoke his residency due to alleged anti-Semitic actions, including distributing propaganda. Critics argue the legality of these actions, while local officials like Mayor Adams noted the matter is under federal jurisdiction, emphasizing a complex intersection of First Amendment rights and immigration law.
The arrest of pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil has sparked protests and raised questions about free speech, as the White House defends its legality amid growing opposition.
Despite a backdrop of protests and public concern, officials emphasized that the federal government maintains authority over immigration matters and Khalil's arrest.
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