News Summary
On March 11, 2025, over 100 demonstrators rallied at UCLA in support of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist recently arrested by ICE. The protests highlight concerns over free speech, students’ rights, and government crackdowns, with a strong call for Khalil’s release echoing throughout the campus.
Los Angeles: Pro-Palestinian Activists Rally at UCLA Following Arrest of Mahmoud Khalil
On March 11, 2025, a lively crowd of more than 100 demonstrators took to the streets of UCLA and the nearby Westwood area to voice their concerns over the recent arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent pro-Palestinian activist and recent Columbia University graduate. Khalil was apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on March 8, 2025, stirring outrage among students and activists alike.
Khalil, who was particularly vocal in organizing protests against the war in Gaza during his time at Columbia University last year, has now found himself at the center of a heated debate surrounding the rights of foreign students and green card holders. His arrest seems to signal a broader crackdown under the current administration, with President Trump suggesting that Khalil’s case could be just the beginning.
The protests at UCLA were organized by several groups, including Students for Justice in Palestine, which held a coordinated walkout to demand Khalil’s immediate release. Protesters filled the area, chanting slogans like “Free Mahmoud Khalil now” and waving signs that emphasized the importance of free speech while expressing anti-ICE sentiments. The energy was palpable as students united for a cause they believed in, a clear demonstration of their solidarity with Khalil.
Many legal and academic experts have weighed in on the situation, calling Khalil’s detention potentially unlawful and raising alarms concerning First Amendment rights. This has prompted activists and supporters to question the methods used by the university and government entities regarding surveillance of protesters. With heightened police presence marking the rally, security measures reflected the tension in the air as officers blocked access to Murphy Hall, the venue where many gathered to speak out against the recent actions.
In contrast to the overwhelming support for Khalil among protesters, a counter-protest was organized by a group known as Mothers Against College Antisemitism (MACA) that held signs affirming the Jewish community while opposing Khalil’s advocacy, illustrating the deep divides that exist within the campus community over these contentious issues.
Khalil’s background adds another layer to this fervent debate. Born in Syria and a lawful U.S. resident holding a green card, supporters are dubbing him a political prisoner, claiming his arrest represents an attack on the very principles of free speech and activism in America. It’s crucial to note that despite the government’s claims linking Khalil’s activism to terrorist sympathies, he has not been charged with any crimes related to his actions.
The events at UCLA followed a larger demonstration in Manhattan just a day prior, where thousands of activists gathered to rally for Khalil’s release. In a twist of fate, a federal judge has since ordered that Khalil cannot be deported while a legal petition seeking to challenge his detention plays out in court, giving hope to those advocating for his cause.
Community support for Khalil has been robust, with faculty and students rallying behind him as a key figure in the Palestinian rights movement. He played a pivotal role as a lead negotiator for the Columbia University Apartheid Divest movement and was heavily involved in significant protests against Israel throughout the previous year.
However, UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk has come under fire for remaining silent on the matter, with many expressing dissatisfaction over the lack of a public statement considering the serious implications of Trump’s executive orders on students’ rights. Activists argue that Khalil’s arrest is not just a singular issue but a broader signal aimed at discouraging dissent regarding U.S. foreign policy.
As the situation continues to develop, the UCLA community remains vigilant and unwavering in its support for Mahmoud Khalil, standing firm in their belief that free speech must be protected for all.
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- Associated Press: Mahmoud Khalil Arrest
- Wikipedia: Mahmoud Khalil
- LAist: Broxton Plaza in Westwood
- Google Search: Westwood Village California
- Forward: Pacific Palisades Fire
- Google Scholar: Pacific Palisades Fire
- Boston Globe: Westwood Financial Literacy High School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Financial Literacy
- NY Daily News: Richard Simmons’ Grave
- Google News: Richard Simmons
