New Yorkers Protest as White House Defends Arrest of Mahmoud Khalil at Columbia
New York TimesMAR 12
US Judge Extends Ban on Deportation of Pro-Palestine Activist Mahmoud Khalil
Above: People gather outside of a New York court to protest the arrest and detention of Mahmoud Khalil at Foley Square on March 12, 2025 in New York City. Image copyright: Michael M. Santiago/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
For simply expressing his political views, Khalil was snatched off the street, taken to a detention center, and now faces the threat of expulsion. This bears all the hallmarks of authoritarian regimes and it is incompatible with the First Amendment. Every American, irrespective of whether they agree with his views, should be worried by these developments.
Pro-establishment narrative
This has nothing to do with free speech. Khalil circulated Hamas propaganda and leaflets and, as such, was providing material support to a designated terror organization. Besides, it has nothing to do with free speech when the protest movement Khalil led engaged in vandalism and made Jewish students feel unsafe on campus.