Jewish Voice for Peace: “Vigilante Fascist Groups” and Politicians Are Behind Deportation of Pro-Palestine Activists

New York (Quds News Network)- Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) has condemned the coordinated effort between vigilante fascist groups and elected officials to deport pro-Palestine activists.

JVP stated that pro-Israel groups like Betar and Documenting Jew Hatred on Campus work with AIPAC-funded politicians, including Senators Ted Cruz and John Fetterman, to push for the removal of activists like Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil.

Khalil, a Palestinian refugee from Syria and a U.S. green card holder, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last Saturday. His detention came just days after pro-Israel activists publicly called for his deportation, despite his legal residency status.

“This has nothing to do with Jewish safety and everything to do with anti-Palestinian racism and crushing political dissent,” JVP said in a statement. “We know where this leads. It’s on all of us to stand up and resist – before it’s too late.”

Khalil, who recently completed his master’s degree at Columbia, was an outspoken participant in campus protests against Israel’s genocide in Gaza. His visibility made him a prime target for right-wing groups monitoring student activists.

Documenting Jew Hatred on Campus labeled Khalil a “leading agitator” and urged the government to deport him. Pro-Israel activists, including Ross Glick, admitted to meeting with Senate staffers and Columbia board members to escalate the case.

“This unfolded very quickly because it was obvious,” Glick said. “Everybody was upset. The guy was making it too easy for us.”

The Trump administration has intensified efforts to target pro-Palestine activism. President Donald Trump celebrated Khalil’s arrest, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio has vowed to revoke visas and green cards of students accused of supporting Hamas—though Khalil has not been charged with any crime.

The administration also announced plans to revoke $400 million in federal funding from Columbia University over its handling of campus protests. Billionaire donors like Robert Kraft have threatened to withdraw financial support unless the university cracks down on pro-Palestine demonstrations.

JVP and other advocacy groups warn that these efforts set a dangerous precedent. “This is about silencing anyone who speaks out for Palestine,” JVP said.

Khalil remains in ICE detention in Louisiana, while his wife, who is eight months pregnant, has pleaded for his release. A judge has blocked his deportation for now, but his future remains uncertain.