Following his release after months of detention, Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and Palestinian activist, is seeking $20 million in damages from the Trump administration. The claim alleges false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and defamation related to his pro-Palestinian activism. Khalil, who was accused of antisemitism and posing a national security threat without evidence, was detained by the administration for his role in campus protests. Khalil maintains his activism is protected by the First Amendment, and seeks to send a message against intimidation while plans to share any settlement with others targeted by the administration.
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Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian-American activist, is suing the Trump administration for $20 million, alleging false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and defamation, following his arrest and detention in March. The Department of Homeland Security and the State Department have pushed back, dismissing Khalil’s claims and asserting their actions were lawful. Khalil, who was involved in mediating between pro-Palestinian protesters and Columbia University leadership, maintains his arrest was politically motivated due to his activism. His lawsuit, filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act, seeks to hold the government accountable for what he views as an effort to punish dissent, especially from Palestinian and Muslim voices.
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Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist, is seeking $20 million in damages from the Trump administration, alleging false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and defamation. Khalil’s lawyers filed a claim citing his arrest and subsequent detention in an immigration jail, where he was held while awaiting news of his son’s birth. He claims the administration sought to deport him over his pro-Palestinian activism, with a White House spokesperson and the Department of Homeland Security denying the accusations. Khalil aims to send a message against intimidation, potentially using any settlement to support others targeted for their views, or accepting an apology and policy changes.
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Following 104 days of federal detention, Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil was released due to a judge’s ruling deeming his continued detention unusual given his lack of violent acts or flight risk. The government is appealing the release, though a separate immigration judge had already denied Khalil bond and ordered his removal. Khalil’s release follows the release of other scholars targeted for activism, highlighting a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests. The Trump administration’s attempts to deport Khalil stemmed from his role in these protests and allegations regarding his green card application.
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Mahmoud Khalil’s release from federal immigration detention marks the end of a three-month ordeal that sparked widespread outrage. His detention, stemming from the expression of his political views, raised serious concerns about free speech rights in the United States.
The conditions of his release include surrendering his passport, effectively restricting his ability to travel internationally. This has led to strong opinions on whether the administration’s actions align with their stated immigration policies. Some see this as a forced confinement within the country, contradicting a potential expectation of self-deportation.
Many believe that Khalil deserves significant compensation for the unjust detention, citing similar cases where individuals received substantial payouts.… Continue reading
The Department of Justice (DOJ) will not release Mahmoud Khalil from detention, despite a court ruling prohibiting his detention based solely on Secretary of State Rubio’s assertion that his pro-Palestinian activism contravenes U.S. foreign policy. The DOJ cites the court’s failure to order unconditional release and maintains the right to detain Khalil on other grounds, specifically alleging fraud in his green card application. Khalil’s lawyers contend he meets the conditions for release and have requested his immediate freedom. The DOJ counters that Khalil should pursue release through standard immigration procedures.
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Judge Michael Farbiarz ruled that the Trump administration lacks sufficient grounds to deport or detain Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University activist and lawful permanent resident. While granting an injunction against Khalil’s deportation and detention, the judge temporarily stayed the order until June 13th to allow for a government appeal. The judge cited a lack of compelling interest for Khalil’s continued detention and highlighted the potential irreparable harm to his career, reputation, and freedom of speech. The government is anticipated to challenge this injunction.
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A federal judge ruled that Secretary of State Marco Rubio likely violated the Constitution by ordering the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, based on his pro-Palestinian activism. While the judge declined to immediately order Khalil’s release from immigration detention, citing a need for further evidence of irreparable harm, he acknowledged Rubio’s actions likely misused a federal statute. The judge also rejected Khalil’s First Amendment retaliation claim due to insufficient evidence, though this charge is being challenged separately. The case continues with ongoing efforts to secure Khalil’s release and overturn his deportation.
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A Louisiana immigration judge ruled that Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist, can be deported, upholding Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s determination that Khalil’s activities threaten U.S. foreign policy goals. Rubio cited the McCarran-Walter Act, which allows the secretary of state to deport non-citizens whose presence undermines national interests, in making his decision. While the judge lacked authority to question Rubio’s assessment, Khalil’s attorneys plan to appeal the ruling and request a stay of deportation. Deportation could send Khalil to either Syria or Algeria.
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Facing a deportation order, the federal government, instead of providing evidence against Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil, submitted a memo signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The memo argues Khalil’s expulsion is justified because his lawful activism, while not criminal, undermines U.S. foreign policy objectives by combating antisemitism. Khalil’s lawyers contend this demonstrates the administration is targeting his free speech rights. The government’s failure to provide additional evidence despite a court order further supports this claim, as does the memo’s mention of a second, unnamed individual facing similar deportation.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood