Elon Musk isn’t the only public figure facing growing backlash. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has increasingly become a target of public criticism. Recently, a group of Jewish students from Columbia University in New York took a stand by chaining themselves to the Earl Hall gates in protest of the arrest of activist Mahmoud Khalil. The graduate student, who holds legal permanent resident status, was detained by ICE on March 8, 2025, and is now facing deportation due to his involvement in pro-Palestinian campus protests.
Many viewed Mahmoud Khalil’s arrest as unacceptable, sparking widespread protests. Prior to this, a group of alumni and students tore up their diplomas in protest against both Columbia University and ICE. Now, another group of students has staged a dramatic protest by chaining themselves to the Earl Hall gates. A call to action posted on Instagram reads:
“Jewish students have chained themselves to the gates of Columbia’s entrance to demand an end to Columbia’s collaboration with ICE, freedom for Mahmoud Khalil, and divestment.”
As Columbia University students chained themselves to the gates, they chanted demands for the release of Mahmoud Khalil. They also called on the university to disclose the identities of those responsible for providing Khalil’s name to ICE, which led to his arrest. The students declared they would not leave until the university is held accountable for its actions.
As the protest unfolded, the weather took a turn for the worse, with rain beginning to fall on the demonstrators. To shield themselves from the downpour, the protesters draped tarps over their bodies, but Public Safety officers quickly removed them. Despite their insistence that they would not leave until their demands were met, officers from the New York Police Department arrived soon after to escort them away.
Later, a university spokesperson claimed that none of Columbia’s leadership had ever contacted ICE agents to target students, including Khalil. However, despite this official statement, the protesters remained skeptical and unconvinced by the university’s words.
While some viewed the protest as an inconvenience, many others expressed support for the Columbia University students. “Incredible courage. ❤️💚,” one Redditor commented. Others praised the students for their bravery and determination to stand up against a powerful institution.
One user added, “And this is it. Love and respect to these young people. Opposing the current genocide committed by the state of Israel is not antisemitism, despite what the Zionists may claim. Standing against this genocide is standing for love, peace, and human rights.”
