A Growing Climate of Fear: Crackdown on Pro-Palestinian Activism in U.S. Higher Education

Introduction: The Crackdown at Columbia University and Its ripple Effects

Over the past week, a sense of unease has settled over the higher education landscape in the United States, particularly at Columbia University in New York City. International students and faculty have been closely following a series of events that have unfolded on campus, where federal immigration agents have targeted individuals involved in pro-Palestinian protests. The Trump administration’s efforts to deport foreign nationals who participated in these demonstrations have sparked widespread concern and fear among the academic community.

The situation at Columbia has become a focal point for the administration’s crackdown. Federal agents have arrested two foreign nationals—one of whom is a student—who were part of pro-Palestinian protests on campus last year. In addition, the visa of another student was revoked, prompting her to leave the U.S. this week. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also conducted searches in the on-campus residences of two Columbia students, though no arrests were made during those searches.

The Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism has observed an “alarming chill” among its international students over the past week. In a statement, the faculty expressed deep concern, noting that many foreign students have felt unsafe attending classes or participating in campus events. The situation has left many in the academic community questioning the implications for free speech and academic freedom.

A Nationwide Climate of Fear and Self-Censorship

The fear and uncertainty gripping Columbia University are not isolated incidents. International students and faculty across the United States have expressed growing apprehensions about expressing their opinions or engaging in activism for fear of immigration-related consequences. This climate of fear has led to a form of self-censorship, with many refraining from participating in discussions, debates, or scholarly activities that could be perceived as controversial.

Veena Dubal, a law professor at the University of California, Irvine, and general counsel for the American Association of University Professors, has observed this phenomenon firsthand. She notes that even green-card-holding faculty members are terrified of how their advocacy work might affect their immigration status.Dubal emphasizes that this silencing of voices has a profound impact on the vibrancy of higher education, as international scholars are now hesitant to contribute to discourse, research, and publishing.

The broader implications of this trend extend beyond individual students and faculty. The suppression of diverse perspectives undermines the very foundation of academic freedom and the exchange of ideas that U.S. universities have long championed. As the situation continues to unfold, there is a growing sense that the academic environment is becoming increasingly inhospitable to international scholars.

The First Arrest: Mahmoud Khalil and the Targeting of Pro-Palestinian Activists

The first publicly known arrest in this wave of crackdowns occurred last Saturday when federal immigration agents apprehended Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent Palestinian activist and graduate student at Columbia University. Khalil, a legal U.S. resident with a green card, was taken into custody in the lobby of his apartment building near the Columbia campus. He is currently being held in a federal detention center in Louisiana.

Khalil’s arrest has drawn significant attention, as he is widely seen as a symbol of the Trump administration’s efforts to punish what it deems to be antisemitic and anti-American protests. Pro-Palestinian activists argue that their critiques of Israeli policies are not inherently antisemitic but rather a legitimate form of political expression. However, some Jewish students and faculty have expressed feelings of being unsafe due to the rhetoric used in these protests.

Civil rights advocates, including Brian Hauss of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), argue that Khalil’s detention is a direct attack on free speech. They warn that this sets a dangerous precedent, suggesting that any non-U.S. citizen who speaks out on controversial global issues could face similar consequences. For international students and scholars, this realization has been deeply unsettling.

The Broader Implications: Fear Beyond New York

The ripple effects of the events at Columbia University extend far beyond New York. International students and faculty across the United States are grappling with the implications of these actions. Many have begun to self-censor, avoiding discussions or social media posts that could be construed as controversial. This climate of fear has created a chilling effect on academic freedom and open discourse.

At Louisiana State University, a Bangladeshi student shared her own fears, choosing to remain anonymous for safety. She revealed that she has stopped posting anything political on social media since Khalil’s arrest, fearing that her green card could be revoked. Her fears are not unfounded, as she compared the situation in the U.S. to her experiences in Bangladesh, where dissenting voices have often faced harsh consequences.

This sense of vulnerability is widespread among international students, many of whom now feel that their right to free expression is under threat. The actions taken against those involved in pro-Palestinian activism have sent a clear message that non-citizens must tread carefully to avoid attracting unwanted attention from immigration authorities.

University Responses: Navigating a Difficult Landscape

In response to the growing concerns, some universities have issued guidance to their international students and faculty, advising them to be cautious in their public statements and online activities. These efforts aim to help international scholars navigate the complex and uncertain landscape created by the Trump administration’s policies.

At Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, Dean Jelani Cobb has been vocal about the challenges faced by international students. In a recent post on Bluesky, he warned that these are “dangerous times” and acknowledged that the university’s resources are limited in protecting students from DHS actions. Despite this, he reaffirmed the university’s commitment to defending its students’ right to report and engage in academic pursuits.

Similarly, the University of California, Davis, has updated its Global Affairs website with specific guidance for international students and scholars. The website emphasizes the importance of understanding First Amendment rights and the potential immigration consequences of certain actions. While international students and scholars are guaranteed broad rights to free speech and lawful assembly, the university encourages them to exercise caution and use their best judgment in all matters.

Escalations and the Road Ahead: More Arrests and Deportations

The situation at Columbia University took a further turn this week, as DHS escalated its actions. Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian from the West Bank, was arrested by immigration officers for overstaying her student visa. DHS claimed that her visa was terminated in January 2022 for “lack of attendance” and noted her previous arrest in connection with protests at Columbia in April 2024.

In a related incident, the visa of Ranjani Srinivasan, an Indian citizen and doctoral student at Columbia University, was revoked. The Trump administration accused her of “advocating for violence and terrorism.” Faced with this action, Srinivasan chose to “self-deport” earlier this week, leaving the U.S. before any further action could be taken.

President Trump has hinted that these actions are only the beginning, warning that Khalil’s arrest will be the “first of many.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio has echoed these sentiments, suggesting that additional student visas will likely be revoked in the coming days.

Conclusion: The Future of Free Speech and Academic Freedom

The events at Columbia University and the broader national context raise critical questions about the future of free speech and academic freedom in the United States. The targeting of international students and scholars for their political activism has sent shockwaves through the academic community, leading to widespread fear and self-censorship.

While universities are attempting to provide guidance and support to their international students, the limitations of their influence in the face of federal immigration authorities are clear. As the situation continues to unfold, many are left wondering how far the government will go in its efforts to silence dissenting voices.

In the words of Brian Hauss, “If the administration can do this to Mr. Khalil because of his speech about Palestine, it can do it to any non-U.S. citizen who takes a position on hot-button global issues.” This realization has left many in the academic community deeply concerned about the implications for free speech, not just for international students but for all those who value the exchange of ideas that has long been a hallmark of U.S. higher education.