Jewish students protest at Columbia University over Mahmoud Khalil’s arrest

Jewish students at Columbia University staged a protest, chaining themselves to the gates of St. Paul’s Chapel to demand accountability from the university's trustees regarding the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil.

Authorities removed journalists and students from the protest site.

Officers used cutting tools to break the protesters' chains before dispersing the demonstration.

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The protest highlights growing tensions on campus over issues of justice, free speech, and university governance.

Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent figure during the Gaza war protests at Columbia University in the spring of 2024, has drawn global attention after the Trump administration arrested and moved to deport him.

The case has raised questions about free speech on college campuses and the legal process that would allow for the deportation of a US permanent resident.

Mr Khalil will remain in detention in Louisiana following a court hearing on Wednesday, where lawyers argued over whether he should be moved back to New York.

Born in Syria, the Columbia graduate's arrest by immigration agents was linked to President Donald Trump's promise to crack down on student demonstrators he accuses of "un-American activity".