Mahmoud Khalil Plans to Sue Trump Officials After Detention
Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil is taking aim at Trump-era officials who sought his deportation, saying he plans to hold them accountable for what he calls a politically motivated arrest.
Khalil, a legal U.S. resident, was detained for 104 days in Louisiana before being granted bail. Now free, he says the arrest was more about suppressing pro-Palestinian speech than anything related to national security or immigration law.
Held After Campus Protests
Khalil's detention followed his involvement in pro-Palestine demonstrations at Columbia University. The Trump administration accused him of promoting Hamas propaganda and revoked his green card using a rare legal provision that allows the State Department to deport non-citizens seen as a threat to U.S. foreign policy.
But Khalil insists he never broke any laws—and a federal judge agreed.
'He's not a flight risk. He's not a danger to the community,' said Judge Michael Farbiarz, who ordered Khalil's release.
Missed His Son's Birth
The months behind bars came at a personal cost. Khalil says missing the birth of his son Deen was one of the hardest experiences of his life.
'That was the most tragic event that happened to me,' Khalil told NPR, adding that he was only allowed to hold his newborn for one hour after pressure from supporters.
Denies Government Claims
While the Trump administration alleges Khalil lied on his green card application and poses a risk to U.S. interests, no criminal charges have been filed.
'They absolutely showed me nothing,' Khalil said. 'They had over 100 days to do that.'
He believes his case was used to intimidate students and activists across the country.
'They want the protests to stop because they expose this administration's hypocrisy,' he added.
Back on Campus, Ready to Fight
Since his release, Khalil has returned to Columbia and rejoined protests. He says he now feels even more determined to speak out—not just for Palestine, but for freedom of expression.
'Trump basically thinks he creates the law,' Khalil said. 'But the judge's ruling shows that he's no king.'
The Trump White House has said it will appeal the decision to release Khalil and is continuing to investigate his immigration status.
Khalil's first televised interview is set to air Monday night on ABC News.
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