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Palestinian Activist Mahmoud Khalil Challenges Detention Claims

Khalil, detained by ICE in Louisiana, asserts his arrest is retaliation for pro-Palestinian activism, while the government cites national security and logistical reasons.

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Muslim protestors pray outside the main campus of Columbia University during a demonstration to denounce the immigration arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist who helped lead protests against Israel at the university, in New York City, U.S., March 14, 2025. REUTERS/David Dee Delgado/File Photo
Mahmoud Khalil speaks to members of media about the Revolt for Rafah encampment at Columbia University during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in Gaza, in New York City, U.S., June 1, 2024. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon//File Photo
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - JUNE 01: Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil talks to the press during the press briefing organized by Pro-Palestinian protesters who set up a new encampment at Columbia University's Morningside Heights campus on Friday evening, in New York City, United States on June 01, 2024. (Photo by Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Overview

  • Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student and green card holder, was detained on March 8, 2025, and transferred from New Jersey to a Louisiana detention center.
  • The U.S. government claims the transfer was due to overcrowding and a bedbug issue at the New Jersey facility, but Khalil and his legal team dispute this as a pretext for political motives.
  • Khalil describes himself as a 'political prisoner,' alleging his detention is retaliation for his pro-Palestinian activism and criticism of U.S. foreign policy on Israel.
  • His detention has drawn widespread protests, legal challenges, and condemnation from civil rights groups and over 100 Democratic lawmakers questioning its legality.
  • Khalil’s legal team is seeking his release on bail, arguing his detention violates First Amendment rights and hinders his ability to prepare his defense.