Additional Coverage:
- Mahmoud Khalil vows to keep fighting for Palestinians after release from ICE custody (abcnews.go.com)
Pro-Palestinian Activist Mahmoud Khalil Speaks Out After ICE Detention
In his first interview since being released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention, pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil spoke with ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis about his ordeal. The interview is scheduled to air Monday at 7 p.m. ET.
Khalil, a green card holder and graduate student at Columbia University, was detained on March 8th. He described the day as “the most difficult day” of his life, feeling as though he had been “kidnapped” despite knowing his rights.
The Trump administration justified Khalil’s detention, citing him as a threat to national security. However, a judge recently issued a preliminary injunction against the administration, barring them from detaining Khalil based on this claim.
Adding to the injustice, Khalil’s request to be present for the birth of his son, Deen, on April 21st was denied. He was finally able to meet his newborn on May 22nd while still in custody. He described being denied the opportunity to witness his son’s birth as “the most cruel thing that any administration would do.”
Khalil was eventually released on Friday following a judge’s ruling that the government failed to demonstrate he posed a flight risk or that his release would cause irreparable harm. The Department of Homeland Security criticized the judge’s decision, claiming it “undermines national security.”
Despite the ordeal, Khalil remains resolute in his activism. He intends to continue advocating for Palestinian human rights, stating that “no threat would deter” him.
He emphasized that the Palestinian movement has “no place” for antisemitism or “any form of racism,” and considers Jewish students and people an “integral part” of the movement. Khalil acknowledges a “very long fight ahead,” but maintains his commitment to his cause.