Arrest of Columbia Activist by ICE: Community Letters

The Topic: Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent anti-Israel activist at Columbia University, has been arrested and detained by ICE.

Receiving a visa to enter the United States and obtaining a green card is a significant privilege (“ICE arrests activist leader at Columbia,” March 10).

Extremist pro-Hamas student activists are misusing this privilege.

I am glad to hear that Mahmoud Khalil, a foreign activist at Columbia University, may face visa revocation and green card cancellation.

The expulsion of Khalil and other foreign radicals from America is long overdue.

Robert Semel

Brooklyn

Entering America is a privilege, not a right.

Individuals who come here to support terrorism, violate laws, promote intolerance, infringe on the rights of American citizens, and intimidate Americans should be arrested and deported.

By undermining our freedoms, they relinquish their privileges.

Joe Zeloof

Hamilton, NJ

ICE apprehended a radical graduate from Columbia University who led campus protests in support of terrorist agendas.

While free speech is valued, it doesn’t extend to criminal activities such as trespassing, assaulting individuals, disseminating hate speech, and obstructing students’ access to classes and the campus.

Now, his attorney is claiming injustice.

This protest leader holds a green card and is questioning the grounds for his arrest.

It is about time the government addressed this situation that infringes on civil rights.

Meanwhile, Columbia University is reluctant to assist ICE.

The institution should face increased penalties if it continues to obstruct cooperation and shield other lawbreakers in the future.

Joseph Comperchio

Brooklyn

I can only imagine the feelings of my parents, Holocaust survivors, witnessing the rise of antisemitism on college campuses today.

They survived so that their great-grandchildren wouldn’t live in fear — not only from other students but from faculty and administration as well.

Antisemitism persists in New York.

One can only hope that the Trump administration effectively enforces consequences for individuals like Mahmoud Khalil.

JJ Levine

Miami Beach, Fla.

The Topic: Mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo proposes hiring 5,000 additional police officers if elected.

While Andrew Cuomo can pledge to increase police numbers, it won’t solve the underlying issues (“Cuomo aims to add 5K cops,” March 9).

A comprehensive overhaul of judges, district attorneys, and prosecutors is essential.

This is where our city is failing its residents.

Must it take a personal tragedy for these officials to take decisive action against criminals?

Mo Colarusso

Manhattan

We must remember who initially championed the defunding of the police.

Who was responsible for implementing no-bail laws that allow criminals to return to the streets unchecked?

Once again, we see a politician seeking to rectify the problems he helped create, hoping the public will disregard his previous role.

John Cornicello

Lynbrook

Mayoral hopeful Andrew Cuomo’s plan to add up to 5,000 more officers is unopposed by anyone in this crime-plagued city.

Except, of course, for the progressive City Council members who advocate for defunding the police.

Cuomo has his flaws, as do all candidates.

However, our police force has diminished due to retirements, transfers, and resignations.

A replenishment is necessary.

Joseph Valente

Staten Island

Do you have thoughts on today’s topics? Please send your feedback (along with your full name and city of residence) to letters@nypost.com. Letters may be edited for clarity, length, accuracy, and style.