Federal immigration authorities have taken into custody a Palestinian activist who played a central role in organizing anti-Israel demonstrations at Columbia University. The arrest, carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has sparked debate over immigration enforcement and political activism on college campuses.
According to officials, the detained individual was identified as a non-citizen with unresolved immigration status. ICE officers executed the arrest following an investigation into the activist’s background, though the specific details leading to the detention remain undisclosed.
Legal representatives for the individual argue that the arrest was politically motivated, citing their client’s high-profile involvement in campus protests. The demonstrations in question have drawn national attention, with heated clashes between student groups over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
University officials have not released a statement on the matter, while advocacy groups are closely monitoring the case, with some calling for the activist’s immediate release. ICE has maintained that the arrest was based on immigration violations and was not influenced by political activity. The case is expected to proceed through immigration court, where legal challenges may arise over the enforcement action.