A Palestinian-American activist and graduate of Columbia University, Mahmoud Khalil was held for 104 days by ICE in Louisiana after being arrested in March of 2025, under a rarely used provision of immigration law citing alleged threats to U.S. foreign policy due to his pro-Palestinian advocacy. A federal judge ruled his detention unconstitutional finding him neither a flight risk nor a public danger and ordered his release on June 20, 2025, six days after issuing the decision. Khalil, a legal U.S. resident who missed both the birth of his son and his graduation, reunited with his family in New Jersey, supported by activists including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who condemned the arrest as a violation of his First Amendment rights.
Upon his return to New York, Khalil criticized Columbia University for what he described as “hypocrisy,” accusing the institution of failing to support international and pro-Palestinian students during his detention. At a rally, he expressed resolve to continue his advocacy, stating that his ordeal underscored the dangers of conflating peaceful speech with national-security threats. While the Biden-appointed judge’s order highlighted serious due-process concerns, the government has appealed, meaning Khalil’s legal and immigration status remains uncertain.
“Mahmoud Khalil Describes ICE Detention, Decries Columbia ‘Hypocrisy’.” NBC News, 23 June 2025, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/mahmoud-khalil-describes-ice-detention-decries-columbia-hypocrisy-rcna214412.
