ICE Detains Columbia University Scholars in Louisiana

In a controversial move, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained two Columbia University scholars, Mahmoud Khalil and Alireza Doroudi, in Louisiana. The scholars, who were conducting research on immigration policies, were apprehended during a routine check-in with ICE officials. This incident has sparked outrage among academic communities and human rights advocates, who argue that the detention of scholars undermines academic freedom and the pursuit of knowledge.

Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent researcher at Columbia University, had been working on a project examining the impact of immigration policies on communities. His colleague, Alireza Doroudi, was also involved in similar research. Both scholars were detained at the same facility in Louisiana, raising concerns about the targeting of academics by ICE.

The Columbia University community has rallied in support of Khalil and Doroudi, with students and faculty members organizing protests and writing open letters demanding their release. The university's administration has also expressed concern and is working to secure the scholars' freedom. This case highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and academic research, particularly in the context of sensitive topics like immigration policy.

• Alireza Doroudi
• Columbia University
• ICE
• Mahmoud Khalil