Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia student and pro-Palestinian activist, was arrested by ICE, sparking a national debate over his treatment and the implications for immigrant rights in the U.S. Numerous lawmakers, including 14 House members, have called for his release, while prominent figures like Trump warn that this may be just the beginning for activists facing similar fates. Several protests have erupted in response to the arrest, with demonstrators demanding justice and questioning the legality of Khalil’s detention. The situation has raised concerns about the potential for deportation of green-card holders and the broader impact on constitutional protections for students. While the White House defends the decision, local leaders and American civil rights organizations express alarm over the precedent this sets for the treatment of activists and immigrants in America.