The Workers Circle condemns the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil and demands his immediate release.

March 11. 2025

On Saturday March 8, Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Mahmoud Khalil a Palestinian American permanent resident and graduate student at Columbia University under the guise of combating antisemitism.

Ann Toback, CEO of the Workers Circle released this statement:

We unequivocally condemn the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian American permanent resident and Columbia University graduate student, by ICE without demonstrating a warrant, and we demand his release and the reinstatement of his green card immediately.

We cry B.S. on President Trump and his administration’s vile justification of Mr. Khalil’s arrest in the name of combating antisemitism. This does not make Jews safer, and we will not be used as tools in your violation of the US Constitution. These are Stasi tactics; we know them well and we will not stand idly by.

We invite every person to take action with us virtually and to join us in the streets to protest this egregious violation of our constitutional rights.

About the Workers Circle

Celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2025, the Workers Circle is a national, Jewish social justice organization founded by Eastern European immigrants who came to the United States fleeing autocracy and persecution, and seeking democratic freedoms and economic opportunities. That history drives the organization’s work for an inclusive democracy and social equality today. The Workers Circle’s activism is rooted in 1,000 years of Yiddish culture and tradition. Through strategic and impactful social justice initiatives, vibrant Yiddish language classes and programs, and interactive educational activities, the Workers Circle powers a multigenerational community of activists that is building “a better and more beautiful world for all.” Learn more at www.circle.org.