Activists rallying for justice and Palestinian rights in an urban environment.
Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University student, is suing the Trump administration for $20 million after his detainment for protesting Israel. Khalil alleges false imprisonment and defamation, having spent 104 days in an immigration detention center under harsh conditions. He seeks accountability from the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies while fighting for Palestinian rights. Khalil’s case highlights the difficult realities activists face and the intersection of personal and political struggles.
Mahmoud Khalil, a passionate Palestinian activist and graduate student at Columbia University, is making headlines after his challenging experience with the U.S. immigration system. After spending a staggering three months in an immigration detention center, Khalil is suing the Trump administration for a hefty $20 million, claiming false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and defamation as an antisemite.
Khalil’s ordeal kicked off back in March 2025 when he was detained following a protest against Israel. Describing his experience as feeling like a “kidnapping,” Khalil was picked up by plain-clothed agents in unmarked cars. To make matters worse, he was shackled during transportation and not shown any form of arrest warrant, which left him bewildered and frightened.
Once in custody, Khalil found himself in an inhumane detention center where conditions were far from ideal. Sharing a dorm with over 70 men, he highlighted the lack of privacy, constant harsh lighting, and unsatisfactory food. Such a crowded and uncomfortable situation took a significant emotional toll on him, particularly since he missed the birth of his son during his detention. This absence caused him profound “agony and sadness,” underscoring the personal cost of his activism.
The Trump administration didn’t hold back in its response to Khalil’s arrest, publicly celebrating it and labeling him as someone involved in antisemitic activities. They promised to expedite his deportation, portraying him as a threat rather than a dedicated activist focused on humanitarian issues. In his defense, Khalil argued that his protests were about standing up against genocide and war crimes rather than any form of terrorism.
After enduring 104 days in detention, a federal judge stepped in and ordered Khalil’s release, ruling that deporting him on grounds of foreign policy could violate constitutional rights. During his time in detention, Khalil became a beacon of support for fellow detainees, assisting them with paperwork and legal matters, showcasing the power of unity even in dire circumstances.
Following his release, Khalil made it clear that he was seeking either the $20 million damages or an official apology from the Trump administration. While he faces an ongoing deportation case, the government claims he misrepresented key personal details in his immigration application, adding another layer to his already complicated situation.
His legal filing identifies the Department of Homeland Security, ICE, and the State Department as defendants, and he is determined to hold them accountable for what he described as an effort to suppress dissent against their policies. Khalil has also stated a commitment to share any potential settlement funds with others who have been impacted by similar immigration policies.
Despite the challenges, Khalil remains unwavering in his resolve to advocate against the war in Gaza and fight for Palestinian rights. His reunion with his wife at Newark, New Jersey, after his release was a moment of relief and gratitude, where he thanked all the supporters who stood by him during this harrowing journey.
Khalil’s case stands as a testament to the ongoing struggles faced by activists and serves as a reminder of the impact of political decisions on personal lives. His fight is not just for justice for himself but for countless others who face similar battles.
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