Mahmoud Khalil

Mahmoud Khalil says detainment ‘felt like kidnapping’ in first interview since release

Khalil, a 30-year-old Columbia University graduate and permanent US resident, was the first student pro-Palestinian protest leader to be detained by the Trump administration.

 Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil stands next to U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), a day after he was released from immigration custody, at Newark airport in Newark, New Jersey, U.S., June 21, 2025.
 Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil gestures next to his wife Dr. Noor Abdalla and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) at Newark airport, a day after he was released from immigration custody, in Newark, New Jersey, U.S., June 21, 2025.

Mahmoud Khalil vows to resume pro-Palestinian activism after release from US jail

Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil gestures as he is released from immigration custody in Jena, Louisiana, U.S. June 20, 2025.

Pro-Palestinian activist Khalil walks free after US judge orders release

 MUSLIM PROTESTERS pray outside Columbia University’s main campus in March as they denounce the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, in New York City. The writer asks: Should Khalil, a radical leader, be protected because of ‘free speech?’

Mahmoud Khalil’s lawyers demand his immediate release as Trump misses key deadline


Betar US vows to expand Trump admin's effort to deport foreign anti-Israel students from US

“We will unmask these terrorists who attack Jews with impunity. Those who cosplay Hamas on campus will be hit hard by the full weight of the law," the spokesperson said.

 Protesters supporting Mahmoud Khalil march in Manhattan the day after a US immigration judge ruled that Columbia student Khalil, who led pro Palestine student protests on campus last spring, can be deported, in New York City, New York, US, April 12, 2025.

Authorities raid Michigan homes in probe of pro-Palestinian vandalism of Jewish homes, institutions

The raids — at homes in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Canton — were not tied to immigration issues or on-campus demonstrations against Israel that have taken place over the last year and a half.

 A scene of pro-Palestinian vandalism, including broken windows, and graffiti at the home of Jewish University of Michigan Regent Jordan Acker in Huntington Woods, Michigan, December 9, 2024.

Mahmoud Khalil criticizes ICE detention in op-ed on Palestinian rights

Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent pro-Palestinian activist at Columbia University, reflects on his ICE detention and critiques America’s approach to free speech and justice in a Washington Post op-ed.

 Demonstrators attend a protest in Timers Square, following the arrest by US immigration agents of Palestinian student protester Mahmoud Khalil at Columbia University, in New York City, March 15, 2025.

Columbia protest leader arrested by DHS at citizenship interview

A US District Court judge ruled Monday that Mahdawi not be removed from the United States or Vermont while the court proceeds with his petition against the arrest.

 Protesters gather at a main entrance in front of Columbia University during convocation, in New York City, US, August 25, 2024

Authorities changing visas status of students at southern US universities due to Gaza stance

More than 100 students at southern US universities have had their visas revoked as deportation proceedings continue against Columbia activist Mahmoud Khalil, among others.

 Policemen arrest student during students and pro-Palestine activists protest across New York City demanding the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student activist and recent Columbia graduate in the borough of Manhattan.

US immigration judge allows deportation case against Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil to proceed

This comes after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Khalil's “otherwise lawful” views conflict with the Trump administration's policy on antisemitism.

Demonstrators attend a protest in support of Mahmoud Khalil outside the court in Newark, New Jersey on March 28, 2025

Marco Rubio says Mahmoud Khalil’s 'otherwise lawful' actions undermine US antisemitism policy

Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended deporting Mahmoud Khalil, saying his “otherwise lawful” views conflict with US policy on antisemitism, even without criminal charges.

 Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump and and Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) react during a campaign event at Dorton Arena, in Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S. November 4, 2024.

Government given one day to produce evidence for deporting Columbia University protester Khalil

"If he's not removable, I'm going to be terminating this case on Friday," Assistant Chief Immigration Judge Jamee Comans said.

 A PROTEST takes place following the arrest by US immigration agents of Mahmoud Khalil, at Columbia University, in New York City.

Mahmoud Khalil downplays campus antisemitism, accuses students of 'participating in genocide'

Mahmoud Khalil accused Columbia University of creating a "manufactured public hysteria about antisemitism" and likened the school to a Nazi collaborationist government.

 Muslim protesters 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, US, March 14, 2025.

Mahmoud Khalil: Columbia U. 'reminiscent' of Assad regime, 'manufactured' antisemitism 'hysteria'

Khalil, who is currently being held at the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center, instructed students at Columbia to “not abdicate their responsibility to resist repression.”

 Muslim protesters 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, US, March 14, 2025.

Anti-Israel activists chain themselves to Columbia gate demanding to know who reported Khalil

The chains and bindings were removed by security personnel, and the students were removed from the campus area.

Columbia student demonstrators chain themselves to the gates of St. Paul’s Chapel at Columbia University to denounce the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil in New York City, US, April 2, 2025.