BaldProphet

A prominent Palestinian activist who helped lead Columbia University's 2024 student encampment protests was arrested Saturday night in New York City by federal immigration authorities who claimed they were acting on a State Department order to revoke his green card, according to his attorney.

Mahmoud Khalil was at his university-owned apartment blocks from Columbia's Manhattan campus when several Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents entered the building and took him into custody, Amy Greer, his attorney, told The Associated Press.

One of the agents told Greer by phone that they were executing a State Department order to revoke Khalil's student visa. Informed by the attorney that Khalil, who graduated in December, was in the U.S. as a permanent resident with a green card, the agent said they were revoking that too, according to Greer.

In a statement to CBS News, the Department of Homeland Security said Khalil's arrest was "in support of President Trump's executive orders prohibiting anti-Semitism," alleging the former student "led activities aligned to Hamas." The department did not provide details of any charges or alleged crimes.

r/Evolved_Fungi on Reddit posted the following :

Behind the scenes, I've been facing some threats suggesting there are some who want to stop the 50501 movement by stopping me.

To be honest, it makes me a bit anxious, and I’ve lost some sleep over it.

Yet, I'm certain that I could shout this message from the rooftops, take out full-page ads in newspapers, and create viral videos pleading, "PLEASE STOP PROTESTING!"

And still, the PROTESTS WOULD GO ON!

I could plead with people to stop protesting. I could even yell it in frustration, and get friends to join me in this plea!

And the PROTESTS WOULD STILL GO ON!

I could warn people that Donald Trump is displeased with me, that Elon Musk is searching for me, that my well-being is at stake for starting this movement!

And yet, the PROTESTS WOULD GO ON!

The essence of 50501 has taken hold. It’s an idea that unites people without a single leader or group at the helm. It’s the belief that we are all leaders, capable of HOLDING OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS ACCOUNTABLE!

For anyone who thinks I’m leading this movement, I’d love to hear how you think I could stop it. Because I’m absolutely convinced that I couldn’t! And honestly, I’m not sure I would, even if I could.

Because the PROTESTS MUST CONTINUE!

People have discovered community. They’ve found strength in their voices. They’ve rekindled hope in America, something so many had lost after the election.

So the PROTESTS WILL GO ON!

When an idea unites not just our country, but the world, it cannot be extinguished, especially not by me! Starting a fire requires just a spark, but it takes tremendous effort to put it out.

The IDEA that we have power together is that spark. The IDEA that we are ALL leaders in the fight for what’s right is the FLAME. Knowing that we are ALL 50501 is the FIRE THAT CAN’T BE EXTINGUISHED!

The IDEA ensures that the PROTESTS WILL GO ON!

With me or without me, by its very nature. No matter what I do, I am no more powerful in this movement than anyone else. Like a candle that ignites others, who then go on to light even more. My flame is just one among many now. I’m powerless to halt this movement, and that’s what makes it so beautiful! SO POWERFUL!

Even if I’m silenced, it wouldn't matter because there are hundreds of thousands of others with the same voice, ready to inspire, lead, and hold those in power accountable!

If I’m silenced, the next protest is still planned. If I’m silenced, the movement will continue to grow without me!

And that’s the true strength of this movement. Leaderless, yet driven by an IDEA. Leaderless, but FILLED WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE LEADERS!

And because of that, the PROTESTS WILL GO ON!

With or without me.

I’ve come to realize I’D RATHER LOSE SLEEP AT NIGHT FOR DOING THE RIGHT THING than to lie awake at night regretting not doing anything.

We ALL HOLD THAT FLAME to make sure the FIRE THAT IS 50501 continues to BURN!

WE ARE ALL 50501!

Thank you, every single one of you! BECAUSE OF YOU, we are 208,000 STRONG! AND WE CANNOT BE STOPPED!

LET THE PROTESTS GO ON!!!!

The National 50501 organization has created an official Lemmy instance! If you are new to the Fediverse and are having trouble deciding which instance to create your account on, that one is a good choice. It also includes a mirror to the Reddit r/50501 community.

The protest eventually grew to over 100 people standing at each corner of the intersection. Fabulous turnout and a wonderful vibe!