A prominent Palestinian activist who helped lead last spring’s protests at Columbia University is facing deportation following his arrest by federal immigration agents over the weekend.

Federal immigration authorities arrested a Palestinian activist Saturday who played a prominent role in Columbia University's protests against Israel, a significant escalation in the Trump administration's pledge to detain and deport student activists.

Agents told Mahmoud Khalil’s attorney that they were revoking Khalil’s green card. He is legally considered a permanent resident.