Leader Jeffries Statement on ICE Arrest at Columbia University

Washington, DC – Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement: Mahmoud Khalil is a legal permanent resident whose wife, an American citizen, is eight months pregnant. To the extent his actions were inconsistent with Columbia University policy and created an unacceptable hostile academic environment for Jewish students and others, there is a serious university disciplinary process that can handle the matter. In the context of the arrest and detention of Mahmoud Khalil, DHS must produce facts and evidence of criminal activity. Absent evidence of a crime, such as providing material support for a terrorist organization, the actions undertaken by the Trump administration are wildly inconsistent with the United States Constitution. A judge has blocked this egregious removal pending further action and, along with Attorney General Letitia James, we will continue monitoring this developing situation closely. ###