Ronnie James Masters

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March 10, 2025

Ronnie James Masters, born on January 7, 1964, in Athens, Georgia, passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025. He was a devoted son, brother, father, grandfather, and uncle who touched many lives during his time on this earth. Ronnie worked with Swayne Murphy Construction, where he applied his skills and dedication, earning the respect of his colleagues and those around him.

His interests included traveling, shooting pool, and fishing, activities that brought him joy and allowed him to create cherished memories with family and friends. Ronnie’s Baptist faith grounded him throughout his life, serving as a source of comfort and strength.

Ronnie is survived by his sons, Jerry Masters and Eric Masters James; his granddaughter, Chasity Masters; his sisters, Brenda Wade, Bobbie Fortenberry, Judy Arrowood, and Patricia Atkins; and his brothers, Jack Masters and Hubert Ray Masters. He is also remembered fondly by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who will carry his memory forward.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gentle Lee Masters and Corriebel Oak Masters, and his siblings Mildred Smith, Lillian Lee, Shelvy Martin, Jimmy Masters, Richard Masters, Ricky Masters, and Jerry Masters.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM at McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home, with Rev. Kenneth Taylor and Rev. Mickey Umbehant. Interment will follow the service in the Nelms Family Cemetery.

Ronnie will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.

McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.

Demorest talks city’s future at planning retreat

By

Brian Wellmeier

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March 10, 2025

Demorest retreat — Demorest City Council is asked to close their eyes to envision the future of the city at the Swanson Center on Saturday, March 8 (Brian Wellmeier/Now Habersham)

In Demorest, growth is inevitable and the time to determine the future is now.

That was the prevailing theme when Demorest city officials convened for an all-day planning retreat at Piedmont University’s Swanson Center on Saturday, March 8.

The retreat comes after two town hall forums earlier this year at Demorest City Hall – where dozens of residents provided input to city officials. That input, intended to provide Demorest City Council a foundation for the future of the city, could now be used to update ordinances and other aspects of long-term planning.

Resident Frank Dean commends Demorest City Council at a town hall meeting Tuesday, Feb. 11 (Brian Wellmeier/Now Habersham)

“This is a lot of planning and devoting the time to mayor and council to have some goals, some objectives and for their agenda,” City Manager Mark Musselwhite said. “We’re working on our strategic plan. You have to have a plan. We haven’t had a plan. This is just another step in that.”

During the retreat, led by consultant Jesse Owensby with Civic Enhancement Strategies, officials were first asked to close their eyes, imagine they’re in the year 2035 and envision what they see – specifically demographics and downtown configuration – as compared to the Demorest of today.

As of 2022, according to the U.S. Census, Demorest has a population of just over 2,200, a poverty rate of 11.1 and a median household income of $59,500.

Officials were then asked to “paint a verbal picture” of their foresight of that vision – more or less a prediction – of what they see.

Jessie Owensby writes thoughts of Demorest City Council on a white board Saturday, March 8 (Brian Wellmeier/Now Habersham)

“What kind of retail? What kind of restaurants? What kind of buildings?,” Owensby said. “Tell me what you see. Do you see housing? Do you see coffee shops…who does it cater to?”

Musselwhite said he imagined a city that’s “vibrant” and “alive,” while Mayor Jerry Harkness said he’d “like to see a range of restaurants that serve all budgets of food from morning until night.”

“When I think about downtown, I think about folks walking and not full of so many cars – just all of these businesses being full of people that are walking there – walking through beautiful sidewalks, landscaping,” Harkness said. “I think a lot of that is overlooked.”

Musselwhite noted $8-$10 million in new grant money, expected to come down the road, that could bring those needed improvements to the city.

“Demorest has never had so much grant money before,” he said. “It is going to be huge.”

City officials unanimously agreed an increased population will likely come to Demorest over the next 10 years.

Visions and thoughts on the direction of Demorest took the forefront of dialogue for the first 50 minutes of the discussion, with officials agreeing the city could increase its footprint by up to 17 square-miles through expanded water/sewer lines and annexation.

Community input results

Results of the town hall input taken from dozens of community members earlier this year indicated a strong majority – 80% – are opposed to growth in Demorest, according to Owensby.

With a drastic need for additional revenue sources to support population growth, as well as a greater demand for services, this could place the city in a difficult predicament.

Touching on the notion of growth, Owensby described a proposed tax allocation district (TAD) that, if approved, could bring a large-scale mixed-use commercial and residential development on 28.8 acres near the intersections of GA 365, GA 17 and U.S. 441 as more of an opportunity for residents to keep growth outside of city limits – but only through effective communication.

“If what you are going to do is have this growth – because it’s coming – and you want to control it, what you need to do is be a little more proactive and put it out there that, ‘Yes, (the city could be) doing this, but…in an industrial area. We’re not doing it in your neighborhood. We’re doing it out here on the highway where it needs to be.’”

The feedback from residents also showed an inclination for enhanced city parks as well as a preserved downtown area.

“I think this is a working process to help benefit our community,” Harkness said. “I think it’s time to take the information we heard from our citizens and apply that for how we’re moving forward.”

Fire crews respond to oven fire at Wendy’s in Clarkesville

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Staff Report

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March 10, 2025

Wendy's oven fire with Firefighters — Firefighters check the smoking oven that was wheeled outside of Clarkesville Wendy's Monday afternoon. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)

Emergency personnel responded to Wendy’s in Clarkesville just after 2 p.m. Monday, March 10, after fire began in the kitchen area.

According to Demorest Fire Chief David Scheurer, an oven in the kitchen caught fire and was extinguished by a fire extinguisher. The oven was unplugged and wheeled out of the restaurant. It could still be seen smoking once outside.

The oven that caught on fire inside Wendy’s in Clarkesville. (Jerry Neace/NowHabersham.com)

There were no customers in the store at the time, only employees and contractors. No injuries were reported. The lobby was already closed due to the store being renovated. Only the drive-thru was open serving customers.

The restaurant will be closed for the remainder of Monday. However, according to one of the managers that was on scene, the restaurant will be closed until further notice to give staff time to clean-up the powder from the fire extinguisher.

First responders from Demorest Fire Department, Habersham EMS, Clarkesville Fire Department, and Clarkesville Police Department responded to the fire. The scene was cleared at around 2:45 p.m. Monday afternoon.

1442 Cocktails and Café in Clarkesville holds grand opening

By

Brian Wellmeier

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March 10, 2025

The establishment on Washington Street off the square once known as Rich & Savvy Cigar and Bourbon Lounge has officially rebranded as 1442 Cocktails and Café.

After around a week of renovations, Richard Avirett, sole proprietor of 1442, was working the bar alongside employees as the business saw its first opening day on Monday, March 10.

Avirett said he expects to see a gradual grand opening, which will last through the week until Friday.

“We’re still getting the kinks out,” Avirett said Monday. “We’re still figuring out portion sizes and what works and what doesn’t work…it’s been hectic, but I’ve had lots of help. I’m thankful for it.”

With the reopening as 1442, the focus will shift from cigars and bourbon tastings to exceptional finger foods, superior drinks and live music. According to Avirett, the decision was largely shaped by his patrons – particularly the 56% of his female clientele, many of whom, he says, “all say the same thing,” in that they were deterred by the scent of smoke.

The name 1442, Avirett explained, comes from the establishment’s address there on Washington Street.

Background: From cigar lounge to café and superior cocktails

Richard Avirett makes cocktails alongside employees on the first day of the newly-rebranded 1442 Cocktails and Café Monday, March 10

A native of a suburban area just outside Tampa, Avirett served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the 1990s and deployed to multiple combat zones during various campaigns. Following his military service, he built a career in the security industry before he launched Rich & Savvy in July of 2023. His goal: To fill what he saw as a gap in the Habersham and Clarkesville community.

Now, with the new transformation, Avirett is ready to elevate the experience even further.

1442 will open as a café during daytime hours (11 a.m.-10 p.m. – with lunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.), when guests can order coffee, charcuterie, oysters, shrimp cocktail, cakes, pies, desserts and other pastries.

After 3 p.m., the focus will shift to craft cocktails, made with what Avirett describes as “a high-end Atlanta mixology” approach – without the high-end prices.

“All of my recipes are handmade,” Avirett said in February. “We’ve invented them, so when you come here, you’re going to get a drink that you couldn’t get anywhere else.”

Live music will take center stage in the later hours of the day and nighttime hours, Avirett said, as he aims to bring in emerging talent from across Georgia and the broader Southeast. He also hinted that stand-up comedy shows could in 1442 Cocktails and Café’s future.

Future expansion

Looking ahead, Avirett envisions opening a modern-day speakeasy in the downstairs space – though access may come with an exclusive monthly membership. The area will also be available to rent for private events and gatherings.

As planned, 1442 Cocktails and Café will operate Tuesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. until around 10 p.m., and sometimes until midnight, in its 2,400-square-foot location in Clarkesville.

Ultimately, Avirett is clear about one thing: 1442 will not be a bar. Instead, he describes it as a welcoming space built on camaraderie and community – a place where people can come together to enjoy great food, drinks, and entertainment in a positive and inviting atmosphere.

Suspect in custody as body found near Clarke County line identified

By

Brian Wellmeier

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March 10, 2025

According to the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office, a person of interest has been arrested in connection with suspected foul play after a body was discovered on Feb. 25 in a brushy area in the western part of the county near the Clarke County line.

Authorities say the victim, initially unidentified, was confirmed through medical and dental records and has since been identified as 69-year-old David J. Stewart, a resident of Double Bridges Road in the Winterville area.

Authorities have determined his death to be a homicide, and police say a person of interest has been detained in another state.

Authorities assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community related to the suspect at this time, and the investigation is still ongoing.

Anyone who may have had recent contact with Stewart — whether as a neighbor, friend, or delivery person — or noticed anything unusual in the area is urged to contact Adam Hunter at the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office at 706-743-8101.

Man dies after collision in Hall County

By

Brian Wellmeier

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March 10, 2025

Fatal accident gfx — Phenix City bicycle wreck kills one (NowGeorgia.com)

A Braselton man died Sunday after a multi-vehicle collision last week in Hall County, according to authorities.

Hall County Sheriff’s Office says Shannon Dwight Pressley, 55, was injured in a three-vehicle crash on Winder Highway earlier this month before he died at Northeast Georgia Medical Center on Sunday, March 9.

Police say the collision occurred at 8:05 a.m. Wednesday, March 5, in the westbound lanes of Winder Highway near Cedar Ridge Drive in Oakwood.

The Hall County Sheriff’s Office Accident Investigation Unit (AIU) conducted the investigation at the request of the Oakwood Police Department.

According to the investigation, Pressley was traveling in the right hand lane of Winder Highway westbound when he failed to slow for vehicles that were stopped in morning rush hour traffic congestion.

Pressley first struck a passenger vehicle from behind, according to police. That vehicle then struck an SUV in front of it.

Pressley’s pickup truck traveled across the left lane and into the median of the roadway. Pressley suffered serious injuries in the crash, and authorities say he was not wearing a seatbelt.

GSP releases details of GA 365 wreck that injured 5

By

Jerry Neace

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March 10, 2025

The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) provided some details about the wreck that sent five people to area hospitals on Thursday, March 6. The four vehicle wreck occurred on GA 365 at the intersection of Demorest-Mt. Airy Highway.

According to the GSP preliminary report, a 2013 Ford Taurus was traveling northbound on Georgia 365 as it approached the Demorest-Mt. Airy Highway intersection. A 2024 Tesla Model Y and a 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, were stopped at the red light at the intersection.

The Taurus attempted to pass between the two stopped vehicles. It struck the rear passenger side of the Tesla and the rear driver side of the Jeep. The Taurus continued into the intersection, where a 2018 BMW 320 was waiting in the southbound turning lane to make a left turn onto Demorest-Mt. Airy Highway.

As the BMW began its turn, the Taurus collided with the driver’s side of the BMW, striking it with the front of the vehicle. The impact caused the Taurus to rotate and overturn, coming to a stop on its roof.

The accident is still under investigation and charges are pending, according to Georgia State Patrol.

Habersham County E-911 began receiving calls about the wreck at 12:24 p.m. Thursday afternoon and dispatched first responders to the scene. E-911 was advised that GA 365 northbound was blocked as well as one southbound lane at the intersection of Demorest-Mt. Airy Highway. Deputies began detouring northbound traffic onto Iron Ore Road. GA 365 was reopened at 1:49 p.m.

According to Habersham County Public Information Officer Ashlyn Brady, Habersham County Emergency Services, Demorest Fire Department, and Cornelia Fire Department responded to the call. A Rabun County Med Unit that was passing through the area at the time of the accident also assisted at the scene.

Of the five injured, two were transported to Stephens County Hospital by the Rabun County Med Unit. Habersham EMS transported three patients. Two of the patients were transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center-Habersham and one patient was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center-Gainesville. None of the patients had critical injuries, according to Brady.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Georgia gas prices continue to decline

By

Staff Report

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March 10, 2025

Traffic/gas prices — (Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham)

The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Georgia continues to decrease, offering relief to drivers across the state.

As of Monday, the state’s average gas price stands at $2.90 per gallon, marking a 4-cent drop compared to last week, another 4-cent dip from a month ago, and a significant 30-cent decrease from the same time last year.

For Georgians, filling up a 15-gallon tank now costs an average of $43.50, nearly $5 less than it did a year ago.

“The drop in gas prices over the weekend was a welcome relief to Georgians,” AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters said. “Crude oil prices, which play a key role in determining what consumers pay at the pump, continue to fluctuate. If crude remains low, gas prices will typically do the same. However, an uptick in demand nearing spring break travel may cause gas prices to rise.”

National gas prices experience subtle decrease

Nationally, gas prices have also seen a slight decline. The average price for regular gasoline has fallen by a penny to $3.08 per gallon since last Monday, primarily driven by lower oil prices. However, some drivers may experience price fluctuations due to factors such as market shifts, retailer responses to news of tariffs, and the transition to more expensive summer-grade gasoline.

Data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows an uptick in gasoline demand, which rose from 8.45 million barrels per day last week to 8.87 million. Meanwhile, gasoline production increased to an average of 9.6 million barrels per day, although the total domestic gasoline supply decreased slightly, dropping from 248.3 million barrels to 246.8 million.

Oil market overview

In the oil market, the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil saw a notable drop last Wednesday, falling by $1.95 to settle at $66.31 per barrel. The EIA also reported that crude oil inventories increased by 3.6 million barrels, bringing the total to 433.8 million barrels. Despite this increase, U.S. crude oil inventories remain about 4% below the five-year average for this time of year.

As oil prices continue to fluctuate, consumers may continue to see volatility at the gas pump, with prices potentially rising in the coming weeks as travel demand picks up.

Home cooling assistance to be made available

By

Dean Dyer, WRWH Radio

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March 10, 2025

Eligible North Georgia residents can soon apply for summer home cooling assistance.

Brenda Dalin, Program Director, Ninth District Opportunity, Inc., has announced Home Cooling Help for the Elderly and Medically Homebound. Households in which every member is age 65 and older -OR- is medically homebound due to health reasons may apply for assistance with their cooling bills beginning on April 1, 2025.

One-time payments will be made by check issued to the home energy suppliers. Program eligibility is based on the income of all household members.

When applying for assistance, persons will present verification of age for everyone in the home, verification of all household income received within the past 30 days (check stubs, public assistance checks, unemployment checks, etc.), verification of Social Security numbers for everyone in the home, verification of citizenship (driver’s license, state ID, etc.), and the most recent electric bill AND heating bill.

All eligible applicants are asked to contact Ninth District Opportunity, Inc.’s scheduling system on April 1, 2025, beginning at 8:30 a.m. by telephone at 855-636-3108 or go online to https://ndo.appointment.works/ea. Phone lines and the website for scheduling will not be active until the program’s opening date, and no appointments will be made by telephone or online until then. No walk-ins, please. Appointments will be scheduled until all funds are exhausted.

Additional information will be made available online at www.ndo.org.

ONLY households 65 years of age and older or medically homebound may apply beginning April 1, 2025. Applicants who do not meet the required criteria will be denied.

The general public may apply on May 1, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Banks County Sheriff’s Office Blood Drive on March 14

By

Nora Almazan

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March 10, 2025

Every day, hospitals across the nation rely on the generosity of blood donors to help save lives. Blood donations are critical for patients undergoing surgeries, cancer treatments, trauma care, and more. One simple act of kindness can make all the difference.

On Friday, March 14th, 2025, the Banks County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Blood Connection, the community blood center to host a life-saving blood drive. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. you can come and donate at the Banks County Recreational Department at 607 Thompson Street, Homer, Georgia.

This is an excellent opportunity to make a direct impact in the lives of those in need. Whether you’re a regular donor or this is your first time, your contribution will go a long way in helping those who are suffering from medical emergencies. Each blood donation can save up to three lives, and your decision to donate could be the one that helps someone make a full recovery.

As a donor, you are not only helping to save lives, but all donors will also receive a $40 E-Gift Card as a token of appreciation for their generosity. It’s a small thank you for making a big difference. In addition to the reward, you’ll also be treated to a comfortable and well-organized donation experience provided by the experienced staff on hand.

How to participate

While walk-ins are welcome, registering ahead of time is encouraged to ensure a smooth experience for everyone. Come prepared by eating a healthy meal and staying hydrated before donating to ensure you feel your best during the process.

Share the event with friends, family, and colleagues because the more people who participate, the more lives that can be saved!

Blood donations are essential in a variety of medical situations, from surgeries to natural disasters and accidents.

Donors are needed year-round to ensure hospitals have enough supply to meet demand.

By giving blood, you play a critical role in keeping your community healthy and safe.

This March 14th, make a plan to visit the Banks County Sheriff’s Office and be part of something bigger – the gift of life. Whether it’s your first time donating or you’re a seasoned donor, your participation can help change lives.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Banks County Sheriff’s Office or you can sign up for an appointment at thebloodconnection.org or by calling (864) 751-1154.

Mary Louise Rollberg Segur

By

Now Habersham

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March 10, 2025

Mary Louise Rollberg Segur, 85, of Cornelia, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Manor Lake of Gainesville following a brief decline in health.

Mary was born on August 19, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Clarence Thomas Rollberg and Elizabeth Ann Wilcox Rollberg. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, J. Robert “Bob” Segur, and her brother-in-law, Ray Gregor.

Mary’s life was dedicated to her family. As a homemaker, she poured her heart into raising her daughters and supporting her husband, ensuring that their home was always filled with warmth and care. She also pursued owning and operating her own company, DB International, where she specialized in the import and export of consumer electronics. Beyond her professional achievements, Mary was a woman of many talents and passions. She was an avid quilter and knitter, finding joy in creating beautiful handmade pieces. She had a deep appreciation for cooking and crafting, always eager to try new recipes and creative projects. A voracious reader, she could often be found immersed in one of her many, many, many (seriously many) books.

Mary found her greatest happiness when surrounded by her family. The 60 years she spent with her late husband were especially precious to her, and together, they built a lifetime of beautiful memories. Mary and Bob shared a passion for traveling and their favorite place to visit was Hawaii, where they enjoyed its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and peaceful atmosphere. In addition to her enjoyment of Hawaiian history, she also had a deep love for British history, always eager to learn more about the past that fascinated her.

Mary will be remembered as a loving and dedicated wife, a supportive mother, a precious grandmother known as “Grandma,” a wonderful sister, and an amazing friend.

Mary is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Mike Shirley, of Clarkesville; daughter, Sharon Segur and her partner, Scott Gunty, of Smyrna; grandsons, Joshua Shirley and his partner, Herbert Thurber; Seth Shirley and his wife, Arlyn Hott Shirley; granddaughters-in-love, Madisen Gunty, Adriana Gunty, and Alexa Gunty; sister, Beverly Jean Gregor, of Tinley Park, IL; brother, Thomas Rollberg, of Morris, IL; numerous nieces and nephews; and life-long friends, Mickey Cronin and Pat Staats.

A Private Family Memorial Service will be held at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, with Chaplain Stanley Samuel officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel, 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.

Palestinian activist with green card detained by ICE

By

Ariana Figueroa

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March 10, 2025

Pro-Palestine demonstrators at Georgia State University. (Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)

(Georgia Recorder) — A lawful permanent resident who helped organize Palestinian protests at Columbia University remained in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody Monday after his arrest over the weekend.

ICE agents arrested Mahmoud Khalil on Saturday, initially saying they were acting on a State Department directive to revoke his student visa. Khalil’s attorney, Amy Greer, told The Associated Press that when she informed ICE that he was a green card holder, officials said they were revoking that status.

The arrest, without alleging a violation of immigration law, marks an attempt to escalate enforcement of the administration’s deportation power in a way that civil rights groups say violates the Constitution.

President Donald Trump wrote on his social media site, Truth Social, that he would seek more arrests and conflated opposition to Israel’s war in Gaza with support for the terrorist group Hamas.

“This is the first arrest of many to come,” Trump wrote. “We will find, apprehend, and deport these terrorist sympathizers from our country — never to return again. If you support terrorism, including the slaughtering of innocent men, women, and children, your presence is contrary to our national and foreign policy interests, and you are not welcome here.”

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security wrote in a social media post late Sunday that the arrest was made under an executive order Trump signed targeting antisemitism.

“On March 9, 2025, in support of President Trump’s executive orders prohibiting anti-Semitism, and in coordination with the Department of State, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student,” DHS wrote. “Khalil led activities aligned to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization.”

Trump added that his administration expects “every one of America’s Colleges and Universities to comply” with the executive order.

Moved to Louisiana

Greer told the AP that authorities had not been clear about the reason for the arrest.

“We have not been able to get any more details about why he is being detained,” she said. “This is a clear escalation. The administration is following through on its threats.”

Khalil, who was initially transported to a detention facility in New Jersey, was being held Monday at an ICE facility in Jena, Louisiana, run by the private prison corporation GEO, according to ICE’s detainee locator system.

Khalil’s case is believed to be the first time the administration has initiated deportation proceedings against a pro-Palestinian protestor after the president vowed to crack down on students who demonstrated against the war in Gaza.

Khalil, who was born in Syria, received his masters from Columbia University and helped serve as the lead negotiator between students and university officials over ending the encampments on campus grounds last spring.

Greer said that immigration agents also threatened to arrest Khalil’s wife, a U.S. citizen who is eight months pregnant.

Columbia’s Office of Public Affairs issued a statement Sunday that confirmed ICE had made an arrest on campus.

State Department involvement

In order for a green card holder to have their status revoked, a charge of violating immigration law needs to be made and a trial before an immigration judge needs to be held before a decision is made. There are about 12.8 million lawful permanent residents, according to DHS data.

However, while the State Department itself can’t revoke a green card, under U.S. immigration law, the secretary of State can request an individual’s green card be revoked and the person face deportation if the secretary deems that individual’s presence to have “potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday posted a news story about the arrest of Khalil, and wrote “We will be revoking the visas and/or green cards of Hamas supporters in America so they can be deported.”

The State Department did not answer an inquiry from States Newsroom asking whether Rubio had specifically requested the arrest of Khalil.

Antisemitism cited

The executive order that Trump signed in late January directs the heads of State, DHS and the Education Department to recommend ways that higher education institutions “may monitor for and report activities by alien students and staff relevant to those grounds and for ensuring that such reports about aliens lead, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, to investigations and, if warranted, actions to remove such aliens.”

The arrest follows a Friday decision from the Trump administration to revoke $400 million in federal grants and contracts from Columbia University, accusing the Ivy League school of not protecting Jewish students.

Protests across college campuses erupted in response to the Israel-Hamas war in which thousands of Palestinians have been killed since it began in 2023.

Republicans have characterized the anti-war protests as antisemetic and in support of the terrorist group Hamas, rather than an outcry against civilian casualties in Gaza.

Civil rights groups in New York have condemned the arrest as violating the First Amendment’s freedom of speech protections.

“The Trump administration’s detention of Mahmoud Khalil — a green card holder studying in the country legally — is targeted, retaliatory, and an extreme attack on his First Amendment rights,” the New York Civil Liberties Union said in a statement.