Latest news with #DepartmentofHomelandSecurityandImmigrationandCustomsEnforcement
Hindustan Times
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Detained Columbia graduate claims ‘irreparable harm' to career and family as he pleads for release
NEW YORK — A Columbia graduate facing deportation over his pro-Palestinian activism on campus has outlined the 'irreparable harm' caused by his continued detention as a federal judge weighs his release. Mahmoud Khalil said in court filings unsealed Thursday that the 'most immediate and visceral harms' he's faced in his months detained in Louisiana relate to missing out on the birth of his first child in April. 'Instead of holding my wife's hand in the delivery room, I was crouched on a detention center floor, whispering through a crackling phone line as she labored alone,' the 30-year-old legal U.S. resident wrote. 'When I heard my son's first cries, I buried my face in my arms so no one would see me weep.' He also cited potentially 'career-ending' harms from the ordeal, noting that Oxfam International has already rescinded a job offer to serve as a policy advisor. Even his mother's visa to come to the U.S. to help care for his infant son is also now under federal review, Khalil said. 'As someone who fled prosecution in Syria for my political beliefs, for who I am, I never imagined myself to be in immigration detention, here in the United States,' he wrote. 'Why should protesting this Israel government's indiscriminate killing of thousands of innocent Palestinians result in the erosion of my constitutional rights?' Spokespersons for the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Khalil's 13-page statement was among a number of legal declarations his lawyers filed highlighting the wide-ranging negative impacts of his arrest. Dr. Noor Abdalla, his U.S. citizen wife, described the challenges of not having her husband to help navigate their son's birth and the first weeks of his young life. Students and professors at Columbia wrote about the chilling effect Khalil's arrest has had on campus life, with people afraid to attend protests or participate in groups that can be viewed as critical of the Trump administration. Last week, a federal judge in New Jersey said the Trump administration's effort to deport Khalil likely violates the Constitution. Judge Michael Farbiarz wrote the government's primary justification for removing Khalil — that his beliefs may pose a threat to U.S. foreign policy — could open the door to vague and arbitrary enforcement. Khalil was detained by federal immigration agents on March 8 in the lobby of his university-owned apartment, the first arrest under Trump's widening crackdown on students who joined campus protests against Israel's war in Gaza.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Antisemitism is on the rise. Here's how the West is reacting
President Donald Trump condemned the attack in Boulder, Colorado, on a group advocating for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The police arrested a man who allegedly threw Molotov cocktails and used a makeshift flamethrower on a crowd of 20 people. The suspect, disguised as a gardener, yelled 'free Palestine' during the attack, according to eyewitnesses. He faces hate crime charges in federal court, according to The Associated Press. Twelve people suffered injuries. Trump on Monday said the attack 'will not be tolerated' and blamed former President Joe Biden's border policies for allowing the suspect to come to the U.S. Sources at the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement told Fox News the suspect 'is an Egyptian national who overstayed his visa.' Trump promised that such 'acts of terrorism will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law' before expressing his condolences to the victims and Coloradans. This is one of the latest high-profile incidents of violence to make headlines. Late last month, another suspect chanting 'free Palestine' fatally shot two staff members at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., as they were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum. The police identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky, a Christian Israeli man, and Sarah Milgrim, a Jewish American woman, as the Deseret News reported. Antisemitism and political violence are on the rise in the U.S. According to the Anti-Defamation League, more than 9,350 instances of antisemitism were recorded in 2024, a 344% increase over the past five years. The White House is putting up a fight against colleges by directly negotiating for more oversight with prestigious educational institutions like Harvard University. The Federal Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism led the fight against Harvard and other universities where antisemitic incidents have been reported. Several states are also taking note of a rise in hate crimes against American Jews in the U.S. and proposing legislation to address this troubling trend. In Colorado, Gov. Jared Polis, who is Jewish and represented the state in Congress for a decade, condemned the Boulder attack publicly and through a letter signed by more than two dozen state and local leaders. Here's what other Western states are proposing. A recent bill from the state House, which was passed in the state Senate, would ban educators in Arizona's public schools and colleges from teaching antisemitism. Teachers and university professors can be held liable if they are found to be teaching or promoting antisemitism. Rep. Michael Way, a Republican, introduced the bill to make schools a place of learning, 'not breeding grounds for hatred and discrimination,' he said in February. 'Arizona has zero tolerance for antisemitism, and this bill ensures that our classrooms are free from the toxic ideology that fuels division and hostility,' the press release said. The state's teacher's union wrote a letter to Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, opposing the bill, which, they argue, 'strips Arizona public school educators of professional liability protections if they face accusations of antisemitism.' The letter added the bill doesn't address 'racism, sexism, anti-LDS bias, Islamophobia, or other forms of bigotry.' HB2867 also does not cover incidents of antisemitism at private schools supported by taxpayer-funded vouchers. The Democratic-led Nevada Legislature passed a bill that defines antisemitism for discrimination investigations. The language in the bill, now on the governor's desk, defines antisemitism as 'a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish Individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.' It uses the widely used definition provided by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. Jolie Brislin, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal this definition 'does not limit free speech or punish criticism of Israel.' The final vote on the bill came a day after the attack in Boulder. Two Jewish teenagers from Las Vegas — 15-year-old Ethan Cohen and 14-year-old Meyer Delee — helped put a spotlight on the bills that designate Jan. 27 each year as 'International Holocaust Remembrance Day' and define antisemitism for the Nevada Equal Rights Commission. Like other states in the West, members of California's Legislative Jewish Caucus initially pursued a bill to create standards for what's acceptable coursework for the state's ethnic studies classes. They wanted to prevent students from being exposed to dangerous content in classrooms. But the caucus shifted strategies and decided to widen the scope by backing a law that strengthens the processing of discrimination complaints to include educators and board members and install an 'antisemitism coordinator' for the state. 'There have been troubling reports of incidents of antisemitism happening within the very spaces meant to foster inclusion and critical thinking,' state Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson, D-La Mesa, chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, told J-Weekly. Her caucus supports the bill. 'We've heard allegations that some educators and even school board members have made comments that marginalize or exclude Jewish voices.' Activists who support Palestine said the bill censors people who criticize Israel.
International Business Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- International Business Times
Mohamed Sabry Soliman: First Mugshot of Colorado Terror Suspect Emerges as He Is Seen Bandaged after Firebomb Attack at Israeli Gathering
A mugshot released on Monday of the suspect in the Colorado firebomb incident shows him with a large bandage covering his right ear and visible burn injuries on his face. The photo reveals the injured face of Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, an Egyptian accused of attacking a group of Israeli supporters with a makeshift flamethrower and throwing Molotov cocktails. Soliman stayed in the U.S. illegally after his visa had expired. Soliman, injured six people between the ages of 67 and 88, including one who was set on fire, during a peaceful demonstration held to honor the victims of the October 7 attacks who remain captive by Hamas militants in Gaza. Chilling Details Emerge Footage of the incident shows Soliman shouting pro-Palestinian slogans and calling for violence against "Zionists" before throwing fire containers at the victims. FBI Director Kash Patel called the incident a "terror attack", while Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said that it appears to be hate crime. "They are killers! How many children you killed?" Soliman shouted. "End Zionists!" Disturbing video from the scene showed several victims lying motionless on the ground next to Israeli flags, as bystanders rushed to douse their injuries with water. FBI Denver Special Agent Mark Michalek said that six victims, between the age of 67 to 88, were taken to the hospital with various degrees of burn injuries. Two of them had to be airlifted, and at least one remains in critical condition, according to officials. Sources from the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement told Fox News that Soliman, an Egyptian citizen, was in the U.S. illegally after overstaying his visa. He originally entered the country through Los Angeles International Airport on August 27, 2022, with permission to stay until February 26, 2023. Despite this, he remained in the U.S. and later filed a claim that led to a temporary work permit issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on March 29, 2023, which expired in March 2024. "The Biden Admin granted the alien a visa and then, when he illegally overstayed, they gave him a work permit," White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller wrote on X. "Immigration security is national security. No more hostile migration. Keep them out and send them back." The man was seen outside the downtown courthouse holding bottles filled with a clear substance as he waited for the group to arrive, Miri Kornfeld, an organizer of the weekly outdoor event Run For Their Lives in Boulder, told 9News. He reportedly ignited the liquid and hurled the bottles at the walkers, hitting five people. One woman suffered severe burns and was forced to roll on the ground to put out the flames, Kornfeld added. Dangerous Scenes Redfearn said that the crowd identified the suspect, who was then taken into custody without any incident and transported to the hospital with minor injuries. Michalek confirmed that the FBI will be treating the case as a terrorism investigation. "As a result of these preliminary facts, it is clear that this is a targeted act of violence and the FBI is investigating this as an act of terrorism," he said. "Sadly, attacks like this are becoming too common across the country. This is an example of how perpetrators of violence continue to threaten communities across our nation," Michalek added. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced shortly after 7 p.m. that DHS is working closely with the FBI to investigate the incident, which she described as a "terrorist attack." "Our agents and local law enforcement are on the scene already, and we will share updates as more information becomes available." Organizers of Run For Their Lives claimed that the weekly event is not a protest but a peaceful walk meant to express support for the hostages and their families, as well as to call for their release. The walk began at 1 p.m., following a route along Pearl Street and 8th Street before reaching Pearl Street Mall, where the attack occurred. The group had planned to stop at the local courthouse to film a video. Colorado Governor Jared Polis condemned the attack and promised to share new information as it becomes available. "I am closely monitoring the situation in Boulder, and my thoughts go out to the people who have been injured and impacted by this heinous act of terror. Hate-filled acts of any kind are unacceptable," Polis wrote in a post on X. Photos circulating show a shirtless man holding two bottles containing a clear liquid, and later being taken into custody by police. The Boulder Police Department has not released any further detail and has advised the public to stay away from the area.
International Business Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- International Business Times
Colorado Madman Goes on 'Targeted Terror Attack' with Molotov Cocktails and Setting One Woman on Fire While Shouting 'Free Palestine'
A man driven by hatred carried out what authorities are calling a "targeted terror attack" in Colorado on Sunday, injuring six people — including setting a woman on fire —as he screamed "Free Palestine" and used a "homemade flamethrower" targeting an elderly crowd at a gathering held to honor Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza. Footage of the incident shows the suspect — identified by the FBI as Mohamed Sabry Soliman —shouting pro-Palestinian slogans and calling for violence against "Zionists" before throwing fire containers at the victims. FBI Director Kash Patel called the incident a "terror attack", while Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said that it appears to be hate crime. Madman Goes on Rampage "They are killers! How many children you killed?" Soliman, who was reportedly in the country illegally, shouted. "End Zionists!" Disturbing video from the scene showed several victims lying motionless on the ground next to Israeli flags, as bystanders rushed to douse their injuries with water. FBI Denver Special Agent Mark Michalek said that six victims, between the age of 67 to 88, were taken to the hospital with various degrees of burn injuries. Two of them had to be airlifted, and at least one remains in critical condition, according to officials. Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said that the suspect, 45-year-old Soliman, was also hospitalized. Sources from the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement told Fox News that Soliman, an Egyptian citizen, was in the U.S. illegally after overstaying his visa. He originally entered the country through Los Angeles International Airport on August 27, 2022, with permission to stay until February 26, 2023. Despite this, he remained in the U.S. and later filed a claim that led to a temporary work permit issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on March 29, 2023, which expired in March 2024. "The Biden Admin granted the alien a visa and then, when he illegally overstayed, they gave him a work permit," White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller wrote on X. "Immigration security is national security. No more hostile migration. Keep them out and send them back." The man was seen outside the downtown courthouse holding bottles filled with a clear substance as he waited for the group to arrive, Miri Kornfeld, an organizer of the weekly outdoor event Run For Their Lives in Boulder, told 9News. He reportedly ignited the liquid and hurled the bottles at the walkers, hitting five people. One woman suffered severe burns and was forced to roll on the ground to put out the flames, Kornfeld added. Dangerous Scenes Redfearn said that the crowd identified the suspect, who was then taken into custody without any incident and transported to the hospital with minor injuries. Michalek confirmed that the FBI will be treating the case as a terrorism investigation. "As a result of these preliminary facts, it is clear that this is a targeted act of violence and the FBI is investigating this as an act of terrorism," he said. "Sadly, attacks like this are becoming too common across the country. This is an example of how perpetrators of violence continue to threaten communities across our nation," Michalek added. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced shortly after 7 p.m. that DHS is working closely with the FBI to investigate the incident, which she described as a "terrorist attack." "Our agents and local law enforcement are on the scene already, and we will share updates as more information becomes available." Organizers of Run For Their Lives claimed that the weekly event is not a protest but a peaceful walk meant to express support for the hostages and their families, as well as to call for their release. The walk began at 1 p.m., following a route along Pearl Street and 8th Street before reaching Pearl Street Mall, where the attack occurred. The group had planned to stop at the local courthouse to film a video. Colorado Governor Jared Polis condemned the attack and promised to share new information as it becomes available. "I am closely monitoring the situation in Boulder, and my thoughts go out to the people who have been injured and impacted by this heinous act of terror. Hate-filled acts of any kind are unacceptable," Polis wrote in a post on X. The Anti-Defamation League is keeping a close watch on the incident and pointed out its timing—just hours before the start of Shavuot, a Jewish holiday that comes seven weeks after Passover ends. Photos circulating show a shirtless man holding two bottles containing a clear liquid, and later being taken into custody by police. The Boulder Police Department has not released any further detail and has advised the public to stay away from the area.
NBC News
09-05-2025
- Health
- NBC News
Tufts student Rumeysa Öztürk ordered to be released 'immediately' from ICE custody by judge
Rumeysa Öztürk, the Tufts University student detained by immigration agents in March, was ordered to be released from ICE custody following a hearing Friday. "Ozturk is free to return to her home in Massachusetts. She's also free to travel to Massachusetts and Vermont as she sees fit, and I am not going to put a travel restriction on her, because, frankly, I don't find that she poses any risk of flight," the judge said. The government was ordered to release her from custody immediately, pending further proceedings in this court on the merits of her habeas petition, the judge said. Before the judge ordered her free, Öztürk, who appeared remotely from the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center, had an asthma attack. She had testified that the frequency, length, and intensity of her asthma attacks have increased since her detainment. She told the judge that it has been negatively affecting her. The doctoral student from Turkey had previously detailed her attacks in a declaration filed with the court. Attorney Jessie Rossman, who appeared in person for the hearing in Vermont, told the judge that her client has had more attacks beyond the eight documented in the declaration. "She has been detained, experienced numerous asthma attacks, all because she wrote an op-ed," Rossman said, who asked that the court immediately grant bail. During her testimony, Öztürk said that she was diagnosed with asthma in 2023 in her hometown in Turkey and had experienced attacks before her detainment. During an episode, she said she experiences anxiety, exhaustion, chest tightness, and coughing. They are usually brought on by environmental triggers as well as stress. Tufts University medical center has helped her maintain her asthma, she said, noting that she has two inhalers, one for daily maintenance and another she uses when she has an attack. Öztürk appeared to get upset as she testified about an attack at the Atlanta airport after she was detained on the streets of a Boston suburb on March 25. She was seen putting her hands over her chest and taking a deep breath. "I was afraid, and I was crying," she told the court about the Atlanta incident. After her testimony, Dr. Jessica McCannon, who has expertise in treating asthma, was called to the stand. While McCannon was speaking, Öztürk began coughing uncontrollably and appeared out of breath. Attorney Mahsa Khanbabai, who was with Öztürk, said her client was having an asthma attack. Öztürk rushed out of the room to get her inhaler. The Trump administration revoked Öztürk's student visa in late March based on an assessment from the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement that she "had been involved in associations that 'may undermine U.S. foreign policy by creating a hostile environment for Jewish students and indicating support for a designated terrorist organization.'" It included her co-authoring an op-ed "that found common cause with an organization that was later temporarily banned from campus, the Bureau of Consular Affairs approved revocation, effectively immediately," according to a State Department memo. Öztürk wrote an op-ed last year in her student newspaper that was critical of Tufts' response to the war in Gaza.
