Noor Abdalla recently shared the birth of her son, a moment meant to be filled with joy. Tragically, she had to welcome him without her husband, Mahmoud Khalil, who is currently detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Noor expressed her heartache in a statement, stating that despite their request for Khalil to attend the birth, ICE denied his release. "This was a purposeful decision by ICE to make me, Mahmoud, and our son suffer," she said.
Khalil, who is over 1,000 miles away in a Louisiana detention center, could only experience the birth through a phone call. He was arrested on March 8, flagged as a risk to U.S. foreign policy, and just recently, a judge ruled that he could be deported. Before his arrest, his lawyers had suggested several options for him to attend the birth, like a monitored furlough. However, those requests were also denied.
Noor, a dentist from New York, was born in Michigan to Syrian immigrant parents. Both she and her newborn are healthy. In her fight for Khalil’s freedom, she has been vocal about how the current administration targets individuals advocating for Palestinian rights.
On social media, many have reacted with anger and solidarity. Supporters emphasize the emotional toll of separation at such a crucial moment in their lives. The public response also reflects a broader concern about immigration policies that affect families.
The story of Noor and Khalil highlights the struggles faced by many in similar situations. According to a recent study, over 1.5 million people are currently affected by detention policies in the U.S. These policies have drawn criticism for their impact on families and human rights.
Noor remains resolute. She vows to continue fighting for Khalil’s release, believing that when he returns, he will raise their son to embody the values of bravery and compassion. "We will not be silenced. We will persist," she said, emphasizing the strength that they will pass on to future generations.
For more information on the legal battles surrounding cases like Khalil’s, you can read about recent rulings here.