NYC mayoral candidate confronts Trump border czar over ICE arrest of Columbia graduate

New York State Assembly member and mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani confronted President Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, in Albany on Wednesday over the recent arrest of Columbia University graduate and green card holder Mahmoud Khalil by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
"Do you believe in the First Amendment?" Mamdani yelled as he tried to approach Homan at the New York state Capitol, where the border czar had come for a meeting with state lawmakers from the GOP to discuss immigration. Security personnel kept the candidate from getting to Homan.
Taking to the social platform X following the incident, Mamdani shared a clip of him challenging Homan.
"Today I confronted 'border czar' Tom Homan who came to Albany to do Trump’s bidding — push for mass deportations, carry out the assault on working class New Yorkers, and justify the unjustifiable detention of legal permanent resident and father-to-be, Mahmoud Khalil," he wrote in the X post.
Earlier this week, Mamdani condemned Khalil's arrest, calling it a "blatant assault on the First Amendment."
"The arrest and detention of Mahmoud Khalil — a green card holder whose wife is eight months pregnant — is a blatant assault on the First Amendment and a sign of advancing authoritarianism under Trump. He must be released now," he said Sunday in a post on X.
Some New York state lawmakers had gathered outside the Republican conference room in the state Capitol, where Homan spoke about immigration policies.
"No hate, no fear. Immigrants are welcome here," they chanted.
Homan addressed a press conference alongside Albany Republicans, slamming Democrats and Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) for New York's sanctuary city status.
"You're not going to stop us New York state. You gotta change the sanctuary status. If you don't, get out of the way," he said.
Homan praised New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) for his cooperation with the administration, saying that he will meet with the mayor again this week.
“He’s made great commitments, we’re working on some things, I can’t share it all with you right now,” Homan said.
Mamdani has called the administration's efforts to end New York City's sanctuary city status “illegal" during his campaign, saying he will "fight for migrants and asylum-seekers."
But the Democratic Socialist has a tough challenge ahead of him. Current polls indicate that Andrew Cuomo (31 percent support) and Adams (11 percent) lead Mamdani (8 percent), although Mamdani is currently ahead of New York City Comptroller Brad Lander (5 percent).
-
Border czar on Columbia arrest: 'Absolutely we can' deport a legal immigrant
Tom Homan, President Trump’s border czar, said Monday that federal authorities “absolutely can” deport a legal immigrant after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested a Columbia ...The Hill - 2d -
Who is Mahmoud Khalil? The detained Columbia graduate praised as steady negotiator
Key figure in pro-Palestinian campus protests arrested by Ice known for kindness and skill for de-escalation. Mahmoud Khalil , the recent Columbia University graduate who was detained by Ice on ...The Guardian - 9h -
Wife of Columbia graduate student detained by Ice speaks out about his arrest
Mahmoud Khalil was detained by Ice agents on Saturday, part of Trump’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian campus protesters. Mahmoud Khalil’s wife, who is now eight months pregnant, issued a statement on ...The Guardian - 11h -
Rep. Frost on ICE arrest of Columbia graduate: 'This should scare everyone'
Democratic lawmakers are condemning the arrest of a former Columbia University student by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the revocation of his legal status in the United States, ...The Hill - 1d -
Rubio confirms ICE arrest of pro-Palestinian Columbia student protest leader
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has confirmed the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a green card-holding Columbia University graduate student and pro-Palestinian activist, by U.S. Immigration and Customs ...The Hill - 2d -
ICE Arrests Pro-Palestinian Activist at Columbia
Mahmoud Khalil, who recently completed a graduate program at Columbia, has legal permanent residency, his lawyer said.The New York Times - 2d -
ICE arrests Palestinian activist with green card over involvement in Columbia protests
Mahmoud Khalil, a legal U.S. resident, was arrested by federal immigration authorities over his involvement in protests at Columbia University. CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez has more.CBS News - 2d -
ICE arrests Palestinian activist who helped lead Columbia University protests, lawyer says
Federal immigration authorities arrested a Palestinian graduate student who played a prominent role in protests against Israel at Columbia University, according to his attorney.NBC News - 2d -
Why ICE arrested a Palestinian activist involved in Columbia's protests
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student, activist and a legal U.S. permanent resident, over his involvement during Columbia University's 2024 ...CBS News - 2d -
Cuomo seeks to woo centrists in NYC mayor's race
Andrew Cuomo is aiming to supplant New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) as the top centrist candidate in the city’s upcoming election, appealing to voter concerns about crime and stressing his ...The Hill - 4d -
US judge blocks deportation of Palestinian activist detained by Ice
Critics condemn arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, Columbia University graduate student who led protests over Gaza war. A judge has blocked the deportation of the prominent Palestinian activist who helped ...The Guardian - 1d -
ICE arrests Palestinian activist who led Columbia protests, lawyer says
Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist who helped lead Columbia University's student encampment protests, has been arrested by ICE, his lawyer says.CBS News - 3d -
Ice arrests Palestinian activist who helped lead Columbia protests, lawyer says
Mahmoud Khalil’s arrest comes as Trump vows to deport foreign students involved in protests against Israel’s war. A prominent Palestinian activist who helped lead Columbia University’s student ...The Guardian - 3d -
Judge halts effort to deport Columbia protest leader, sets Wednesday hearing
A federal judge on Monday scheduled a Wednesday court hearing for Mahmoud Khalil, a recent Columbia University graduate who was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), ...The Hill - 2d -
Protests grow over Columbia University pro-Palestinian activist's arrest
A judge is slamming the brakes on the Trump administration's attempt to deport a pro-Palestinian activist who helped lead Columbia University's 2024 student encampment protests.CBS News - 1d -
ICE arrests activist who helped lead pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University
ICE has arrested a Palestinian activist who helped lead last year's student encampment protests at Columbia University in New York City. CBS News correspondent Michael George reports.CBS News - 2d -
Arrest of Columbia Palestine activist is ‘first of many’, Trump says
Detention of former graduate student and US green card holder Mahmoud Khalil sparks outrageFinancial Times - 1d -
Trump immigration crackdown enters new waters with arrest of Mahmoud Khalil
The arrest of a Columbia University graduate marks a significant escalation in President Trump's immigration crackdown, with a lawful permanent resident who has not been charged with any crime now ...The Hill - 1d -
ICE arrests over 32,000 migrants in US illegally in 1st 50 days
ICE has arrested over 32,000 migrants who are living in the United States without legal status since Jan. 21, according to Department of Homeland Security officials.ABC News - 7h -
Palestinian activist who led student protests at Columbia faces deportation
Over the weekend, Columbia University grad Mahmoud Khalil was arrested and is facing deportation. He is a green card holder, but the Trump administration says the arrest stems from his involvement ...CBS News - 2d -
At Columbia, Tension Over Gaza Protests Hits Breaking Point Under Trump
There were protests, arrests, the departure of the school’s president. Then, a new administration arrived in Washington.The New York Times - 5h -
House members demand release of Palestinian activist arrested at Columbia
Fourteen members of Congress have signed a letter demanding the release of Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil, who was detained by ICE last week.ABC News - 1d -
Judge blocks removal of Palestinian activist detained at Columbia University
ICE agents arrested Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil -- a leader in Columbia University's encampment movement -- on Saturday night, said his attorney, Amy Greer.ABC News - 1d -
Judge to hear arguments over former Columbia student who Trump wants deported
President Trump said Monday that Mahmoud Khalil's arrest was just the first "of many to come."CBS News - 11h -
Judge blocks deportation of pro-Palestinian activist who helped lead Columbia University protests
A judge has, for the time being, blocked the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist arrested by ICE over the weekend. CBS News correspondent Michael George has more.CBS News - 1d -
Trump says arrest of Palestinian activist at Columbia first of "many to come"
President Trump warned that the arrest of prominent Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil by federal immigration authorities is the first "of many to come."CBS News - 2d -
Trump is using antisemitism as a pretext for a war on the first amendment | Judith Levine
The Trump administration is not interested in combating antisemitism. It just wants to silence its opponents instead. On Saturday night, agents of the Department of Homeland Security arrested and ...The Guardian - 13h -
Federal Judge Blocks Government From Removing Mahmoud Khalil From the U.S.
Immigration officers arrested a Columbia University graduate for helping lead campus protests against Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. President Trump said the case was “the first arrest of many ...The New York Times - 2d -
Court recommends charges against NYC Mayor Adams dropped
A court-appointed lawyer has advised a federal judge that corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams should be dropped. Meantime, sources tell NBC News two federal prosecutors in ...NBC News - 4d -
Judge to hear arguments on possible release of Mahmoud Khalil, activist arrested by ICE
A judge is set to hear arguments on the possible deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, the pro-Palestinian activist who led encampment protests at Columbia University last year. CBS News correspondent ...CBS News - 12h -
Mahmoud Khalil’s treatment should not happen in a democracy | Moustafa Bayoumi
The Columbia University graduate’s arrest is an attempt to destroy free thinking while murdering due process. Forced disappearance, kidnapping, political imprisonment – take your pick. These terms ...The Guardian - 1d -
Arrest of pro-Palestinian activist sparks protests in New York
Mahmoud Khalil, a recent Columbia University graduate and legal permanent resident, was arrested by federal immigration agents at his apartment. Khalil has helped lead pro-Palestinian protests at ...NBC News - 2d -
Trump calls arrest of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil ‘first of many to come’
President says in post his administration ‘will not tolerate’ actions of protesters at Columbia and other US universities. Donald Trump said on Monday that the arrest of a prominent Palestinian ...The Guardian - 2d -
For #MeToo Movement, Mayor’s Race in New York City Poses a Test
Three mayoral candidates have been accused of sexual misconduct. They deny wrongdoing. Will it be a deciding issue for Democratic voters?The New York Times - 2d -
What to know about pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil's arrest
More protests are expected Tuesday over the Trump administration's attempt to deport pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil. Khalil is accused of antisemitic activity for his role in helping lead ...CBS News - 1d -
Judge hears arguments on if Mahmoud Khalil should remain detained in Louisiana
A federal judge will weigh the challenge to the arrest and detention of Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil, who is a green card holder.NBC News - 9h -
White House crypto czar says public has 'lost out on over $17 billion'
Crypto czar David Sacks argued taxpayers have lost out on billions because earlier administrations never took advantage of bitcoin in the government's possession.ABC News - 5d -
ACLU warns pro-Palestinian activist’s arrest meant ‘to intimidate and chill speech’ – live
Trump says Ice took the Palestinian student protester into custody after his executive order. Trump calls arrest of Palestinian activist ‘first of many to come’ Outrage after Ice detains ...The Guardian - 2d -
New Yorkers Protest as White House Defends Arrest of Mahmoud Khalil at Columbia
Hundreds of demonstrators marched downtown while a spokeswoman for President Trump said the president had the authority to detain Mahmoud Khalil.The New York Times - 11h
More from The Hill
-
Judge finds Trump unlawfully fired head of federal employee labor board
A federal judge ruled Wednesday that President Trump’s firing of the head of a board that resolves disputes between federal employees and the government was unlawful. U.S. District Judge Sparkle ...The Hill - 45m -
US puts Putin in hot seat with Ukraine ceasefire proposal
Presented by GE Aerospace — {beacon} Defense &National Security Defense &National Security PRESENTED BY The Big Story US puts Putin in hot seat with Ukraine ceasefire proposal The United States ...The Hill - 54m -
Distilled Spirits Council CEO warns European whiskey tariff could be 'very, very devastating'
The CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States on Wednesday warned that a European whiskey tariff would be "very, very devastating." “We've just gotten the news early, early this ...The Hill - 58m -
EPA sets stage for cutting climate and pollution regs
Click for more from The Hill. {beacon} Energy & Environment Energy & Environment The Big Story EPA sets stage for cutting climate and pollution regs The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ...The Hill - 2h -
Senate Democrats struggle with funding dilemma as shutdown deadline looms
Senate Democrats are staring down a major dilemma as they agonize over how to handle the GOP’s stopgap spending bill in the face of a potential government shutdown by the end of the week. ...The Hill - 2h
More in Politics
-
Judge finds Trump unlawfully fired head of federal employee labor board
A federal judge ruled Wednesday that President Trump’s firing of the head of a board that resolves disputes between federal employees and the government was unlawful. U.S. District Judge Sparkle ...The Hill - 45m -
US puts Putin in hot seat with Ukraine ceasefire proposal
Presented by GE Aerospace — {beacon} Defense &National Security Defense &National Security PRESENTED BY The Big Story US puts Putin in hot seat with Ukraine ceasefire proposal The United States ...The Hill - 54m -
Distilled Spirits Council CEO warns European whiskey tariff could be 'very, very devastating'
The CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States on Wednesday warned that a European whiskey tariff would be "very, very devastating." “We've just gotten the news early, early this ...The Hill - 58m -
Chuck Schumer is in a real shutdown mess. Can he lead Democrats out of it?
Despite pressure from the left to hold firm, some Democratic senators seem headed for an off-ramp.Politico - 1h -
EPA sets stage for cutting climate and pollution regs
Click for more from The Hill. {beacon} Energy & Environment Energy & Environment The Big Story EPA sets stage for cutting climate and pollution regs The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ...The Hill - 2h