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.
Read More
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.
Read More
A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to deport Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate, who was arrested for his pro-Palestinian activism. The arrest, reportedly stemming from a State Department order to revoke his green card, is seen as an escalation of efforts to suppress pro-Palestinian demonstrations on college campuses. Khalil’s attorney argues the arrest is an attempt to suppress political speech, while the DHS claims his activities aligned with Hamas. A legal challenge is underway, with the judge’s order preventing Khalil’s deportation pending a ruling.
Read More
Federal immigration authorities arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate, at his university apartment. The Department of Homeland Security cited President Trump’s executive orders against anti-Semitism, alleging Khalil’s involvement in Hamas-aligned activities, though providing no specific charges. This arrest follows President Trump’s vow to deport foreign students participating in anti-Israel protests and the administration’s reduction of funding to Columbia University. Khalil’s attorney stated that the arrest is a violation of due process and will be challenged in court.
Read More
Federal immigration authorities arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian graduate student and prominent participant in Columbia University’s anti-Israel protests, at his university residence. The arrest, seemingly based on State Department orders, involved revoking Khalil’s student visa and green card, allegedly due to his support of Hamas. This action is viewed as a potential escalation of the Trump administration’s efforts to deport students involved in the protests and follows investigations into Khalil’s involvement with pro-Palestine activism on campus. The arrest has drawn criticism as a possible retaliatory measure against Khalil’s expression of political opinion.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker