The graduation ceremony at Columbia University in New York City on Tuesday was filled with booing and a call from “Free Mahmoud” as students expressed dissatisfaction with Louisiana’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention and were unable to join the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) class in the 2025 class.

Claire Shipman, the university's acting president, was hecked during the introduction ceremony. "I know many of you are a little frustrated by me, and I know you are frustrated by the government," Shipman said. "And I know we have a strong, strong tradition of freedom of speech at this university. I'm always willing to take feedback and I'm getting it right now."

Colombian graduate student and green card holder Khalil was arrested by ICE in March, the first among a series of students supported by immigration law enforcement targeting Palestinians.

His wife, Dr. Noor Abdalla, received a diploma from Khalil on behalf of Khalil at another graduation ceremony on Sunday. She gave birth to their first child after authorities rejected their request for the birth of Khalil.

"I hope one day you know that your father is not indifferent, but out of faith. I will spend my whole life making up for the moments we are lost - from this moment."

The surveillance video of Khalil's arrest was released earlier this week. The ACLU said the video “directly contradicts the false claims of the Trump administration that Mahmoud Khalil tried to escape when ICE officials illegally arrested him in retaliation for his advocacy of Palestinian rights.”

Khalil is still in a prison in Louisiana, awaiting a New Jersey judge to ruling his case. An immigration hearing is scheduled to be held on May 22.

Other arrested students - including Tufts University scholar rümeysaöztürk, Georgetown postdoctoral doctor Badar Khan Suri and Columbia undergraduate Mohsen Mahdawi, other students arrested - include Tufts University scholar rümeysaöztürk, Georgetown postdoctoral. Mahdawi received a bachelor’s degree from the Columbia College of General Studies three weeks after being detained in a citizenship interview in Vermont.

"The Trump administration wants to take me this opportunity. They want me to wear prison, prison outfits, no education, no joy or celebration," Mahadawi told the Associated Press.