There is ongoing backlash from Tampa and parts of the country over the arrest of an activist who could face deportation for leading pro-Palestinian protests in 2024.

The Trump administration is seeking to deport graduate student Mahmoud Khalil who holds a green card. He helped lead pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University last year.

Dozens protested and marched just outside the University of South Florida Wednesday in support of the 30-year-old who is being held in Louisiana after ICE arrested him over the weekend.

"We're out here today to stand up to the attacks that we're facing from USF regarding our protests and also to stand up to Trump's attacks on the nationwide student movement and especially on the student movement for Palestine," organizer Victoria Hinckley said.

Some protesters like Hinckley faced disciplinary action from USF for her involvement in the solidarity encampment for Gaza on campus last year, which led to arrests. Hinckley said she was just shy of graduation before being expelled.

Protestors in Tampa joined others nationwide including New York City. They argue what's happening to Khalil is violating his rights.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Khalil's arrest and efforts to be deported.

"This is not about free speech," Rubio said. "No one has a right to a student visa. No one has a right to a green card, by the way. So when you apply for a student visa or any visa to enter the United States, we have a right to deny you for virtually any reason."

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