New York, United States - March 11, 2025 Washington Square Park, New York - On March 11, X user Naguib Mahfouzball posted a video of a protest in Washington Square Park. He said, "Free Mahmoud Khalil @ Washington Square Park," highlighting the detained Columbia graduate. Mahmoud Khalil, a key figure in the Gaza war protests at Columbia University in spring 2024, is now facing deportation by the Trump administration. The 30-year-old, born in Syria, was arrested by immigration agents. President Donald Trump tied the move to his promise to crack down on student demonstrators he calls "un-American." Trump has claimed pro-Palestinian activists like Khalil support Hamas, a group the US labels a terrorist organization. He said Khalil’s arrest is "the first of many to come." Khalil’s lawyers say he was using free speech to support Palestinians in Gaza and oppose US backing of Israel. They accused the government of "open repression of student activism and political speech." The video from Washington Square Park shows the ongoing fight over his case. In Louisiana, Khalil stays in detention after a Wednesday court hearing. Lawyers argued over moving him back to New York, but he remains there. The X post by Mahfouzball keeps attention on Khalil, a US permanent resident caught in a legal battle.