Mahmoud Khalil (activist)
Mahmoud Khalil | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1995 (age 29–30) |
| Alma mater | Lebanese American University, Beirut (BS) Columbia University (MPA) |
| Known for | ICE detention |
| Spouse |
Noor Abdalla (m. 2023) |
| Children | 1 |
Mahmoud Khalil (born 1995) is a Syrian-born Palestinian activist and former Columbia University graduate student known for his role in the 2024 Columbia University pro-Palestinian protests and his subsequent detention by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in 2025.
Early life
Khalil was born in 1995 to Palestinian parents in a refugee camp in Syria and later became a legal U.S. permanent resident.[1][2][3]
He completed his bachelor's in computer science from Lebanese American University in Beirut before enrolling at Columbia University’s SIPA, where he earned his Master of Public Administration in development practice in December 2024.[4][5]
Activism
In spring 2024, Khalil emerged as a negotiator and spokesperson for pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, which demanded divestment from companies linked to Israel and a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. He was not arrested during the protests nor accused of participating in actions such as the Hamilton Hall takeover.[6]
ICE detention and release
On March 8, 2025, ICE arrested Khalil at his Manhattan apartment, citing an obscure provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act and alleged false information on his 2024 green card application, which he denied. The U.S. government, via Secretary of State Marco Rubio, claimed his activism harmed U.S. foreign policy. Khalil was detained for 104 days at the LaSalle Detention Center in Jena, Louisiana. His arrest sparked protests in New York, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, with support from figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who called it politically motivated.[7][8][9]
On June 11, 2025, federal Judge Michael Farbiarz ruled Khalil’s detention unconstitutional, noting he was neither a flight risk nor a community threat. Khalil was released on June 20, 2025, after a court found the government’s case relied on unverified tabloid reports. His case drew attention as part of a broader Trump administration effort to deport pro-Palestinian student activists.[10]
In July 2025, Khalil filed a claim for $20 Million in damages against the Trump administration.[11][12]
Personal life
He is married to U.S. citizen Dr. Noor Abdalla, with whom he has an infant son.[2]
During his detention, Khalil’s wife accepted his Columbia University diploma on his behalf, as well as announcing the birth of his son. Upon release, he reunited with his family in New York.[13][14]
References
- ^ Allen, Jonathan (2025-06-21). "Mahmoud Khalil vows to resume pro-Palestinian activism after release from US jail". Reuters. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
- ^ a b "Wife of detained Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil announces birth of son in his absence". NBC News. 2025-04-23. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
- ^ Bhutani, Anvee (2025-03-12). "Who is Mahmoud Khalil? The detained Columbia graduate praised as steady negotiator". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
- ^ "Who is Mahmoud Khalil, the Palestinian activist facing US deportation?".
- ^ Nesi, Chris (2025-03-10). "Who is Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia University agitator detained by ICE for deportation?". Retrieved 2025-06-22.
- ^ "Pro-Palestinian student protester detained by US immigration officials, says lawyer". BBC News. 2025-03-09. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
- ^ Rosenfeld, Arno (2025-03-10). "Jewish groups targeted Columbia grad Mahmoud Khalil — then ICE arrested him". The Forward. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
- ^ Member, French Writers Page Mandy Taheri Weekend Reporter Newsweek Is A. Trust Project (2025-03-09). "Who is Mahmoud Khalil? Columbia University grad detained by ICE". Newsweek. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
- ^ Durkee, Alison. "Mahmoud Khalil: What We Know About Trump Administration's Arrest Of Columbia Pro-Palestinian Protester". Forbes. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
- ^ campaign, Jacob Rosen Justice Department Reporter Jake Rosen is a reporter covering the Department of Justice He was previously a campaign digital reporter covering President Trump's 2024; Brennan, also served as an associate producer for "Face the Nation with Margaret; podcasts, " where he worked with Brennan for two years on the broadcast Rosen has been a producer for several CBS News; Takeout, including "The; Debrief", " "The; Rosen, "Agent of Betrayal: The Double Life of Robert Hanssen " Read Full Bio Jacob (2025-06-21). "Columbia activist Mahmoud Khalil released from ICE detention in Louisiana - CBS News". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Svrluga, Susan (2025-07-11). "Pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil files $20M claim against government". www.washingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2025-07-11.
- ^ "Mahmoud Khalil files $20m claim against Trump administration". www.bbc.com. 2025-07-10. Retrieved 2025-07-11.
- ^ Staff, Maktoob (2025-05-21). "Columbia University failed him: Mahmoud Khalil's wife accepts diploma on his behalf at People's University for Palestine". Maktoob media. Retrieved 2025-06-22.
- ^ Sainato, Michael (2025-05-21). "'Free Mahmoud': Columbia students boo acting president at graduation as Khalil is still detained". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-06-22.