( JTA) — Liberal Jewish groups joined the chorus condemning the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, the Palestinian protest leader at Columbia University who was detained by ICE and threatened with deportation. The statements came amid a cascade of condemnation and protest Monday from Democratic politicians and progressive groups.

The arrest of Mahmoud Khaili has led to questions about how a legal permanent resident could face deportation — and what it could mean for issues of free speech on college campuses.

Mr. Khalil, who helped lead protests at Columbia University against high civilian casualties in Gaza, was arrested by immigration officers and sent to a detention center in Louisiana.