In text messages, the 20-year-old described himself as a “Jew hater,” and called Jewish people “worthless,” court documents revealed.

JENA, La. — The Trump administration said Friday that it will continue to detain Columbia University protester Mahmoud Khalil, after a federal judge ruled that he could not be held based on the U.S. secretary of state’s determination that he could harm American foreign policy.

The Education Department said Columbia University no longer appeared to meet accreditation standards after concluding that the school is in violation of anti-discrimination laws, the latest effort by the Trump administration to target elite schools over their handling of pro-Palestinian protests.

Columbia students rally for peer Mahmoud Khalil, detained by ICE over pro-Palestinian activism, at the 2025 commencement ceremony.

Celeste Gamble was in Columbia University’s Butler Library, studying for her final exams, when about a hundred student protesters launched an occupation of the reading room. It was the latest eruption of ongoing pro-Palestine protests on campus.

The AAUP defends the right to free speech, expression of political convictions, and peaceful protest on university campuses. Access resources and information on this topic.

Virtually every flashpoint in American politics right now involves the First Amendment right to free speech and free expression.

In New York City, the biggest "No Kings" demonstration will take place at Bryant Park starting at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and move down Fifth Avenue to Madison Square Park.