Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, has warned that green card holders who commit crimes could face immediate deportation. His comments came after the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Syrian-born U.S. resident accused of leading pro-Hamas activities. Khalil, who is married to an American citizen, was detained by federal immigration agents, though no formal charges have been announced. Trump called his arrest “the first of many to come” as part of his crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests.
Homan defended Khalil’s detainment, claiming he violated the terms of his residency by “committing crimes, attacking Israeli students, locking down buildings, and destroying property.” However, critics argue that Khalil has yet to be convicted of any crime, making Homan’s statements misleading. A judge has temporarily blocked the deportation, stating that Khalil cannot be removed “unless and until the Court orders otherwise.”
Khalil’s arrest has sparked protests and backlash from civil rights groups. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) called it a “lawless” act that violates the First Amendment, arguing that Khalil was targeted for his activism rather than any actual wrongdoing. Columbia University professor Michael Thaddeus described him as a “political prisoner,” while students and faculty have demanded his release.
This case is part of Trump’s broader immigration crackdown, which includes mass arrests of undocumented migrants and stricter deportation policies. As legal battles unfold, advocates fear that targeting green card holders could set a dangerous precedent for limiting civil rights based on political beliefs.
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