The US Department of Homeland Security has confirmed Khalil’s detention in a post on X, according to Al Jazeera.

It said, “On March 9, 2025, in support of President Trump’s executive orders prohibiting anti-Semitism, and in coordination with the Department of State, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student.”

“Khalil led activities aligned to Hamas, a designated terrorist organisation.

“ICE and the Department of State are committed to enforcing President Trump’s executive orders and to protecting US national security.”