ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – On Sunday, a protest broke out at the University of New Mexico (UNM), where students demanded the release of a former Columbia University student activist who was recently detained by federal immigration services. College campuses across the country are protesting fo r the release of Mahmoud Khalil. Two weeks ago, Department of Homeland Security Agents arrested Khaleel, saying he was a critical figure in last year's student-led anti-war protests at Columbia. The US Secretary of State says they are basing their attempt to deport Khalil on the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows the government to deport someone they believe could harm US foreign policy interests. UNM purchases former problem Motel 6 near Lobo Village "And if you end up having a green card, not citizenship, but a green card, as a result of that visa while you're here in those activities, we're gonna kick you out," said Secretary of State Marco Rubio. President Donald Trump called Khalil a "terrorist sympathizer" and accused him of handing out Hamas propaganda. Earlier this week, Khalil's lawyers argued it was a political retaliation from the Trump Administration. Khalil is currently being held at a Louisiana ICE facility. ...read more read less