A Palestinian student activist, Mahmoud Khalil, recently shared his experience after being detained by US immigration officials. From the ICE detention center in Louisiana, he wrote that he feels like a “political prisoner.” Khalil, a green card holder and Columbia University graduate, believes he was targeted for supporting free speech.
Khalil, who was born in Syria, became known for his involvement in protests supporting Palestinians during the Gaza war in 2024. His arrest coincided with President Trump’s campaign against student demonstrators, who he claims engage in “un-American activity.” Trump has accused activists like Khalil of supporting Hamas, a group the US government labels as a terrorist organization. Just after Khalil’s arrest, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that any supporters of Hamas would have their visas or green cards revoked.
Khalil’s lawyers argue he was simply exercising his right to protest against U.S. policies toward Israel. They condemned the government’s actions as an attack on free speech, claiming it stifles student activism.
In his letter, Khalil shared a detailed account of his arrest. He described how Department of Homeland Security agents approached him and his wife after dinner, refusing to show a warrant. Without explanation, they handcuffed him and took him away. He spent the first night in a federal building in New York and was later moved to a detention facility in New Jersey, where he complained about poor living conditions. He is currently still in Louisiana, as his legal team fights for his release.
Last week, Khalil’s lawyers requested his return to New York, alleging that the Trump administration is making it difficult for them to access him. A judge instructed prosecutors to justify why the case should occur outside New York.
Khalil views his detention as part of a broader issue of discrimination against Palestinians, criticizing both the Trump and Biden administrations for their continued military support for Israel amid rising violence. He pointed to recent airstrikes on Gaza that resulted in heavy casualties as evidence of the ongoing conflict’s impact on ordinary people.
He also called attention to Columbia University’s treatment of pro-Palestinian students. In the past, he was even suspended following campus protests but did not directly participate due to fears of jeopardizing his student visa.
Online attacks made against Khalil have led to anxiety about potential deportation. In a heartfelt update, his wife revealed that he had reached out to Columbia University for legal help just a day before his arrest. She is currently eight months pregnant and worried about their future.
The White House supports the administration’s actions, insisting that those studying in the U.S. should not affiliate with groups that threaten American lives. Khalil sees his case as a warning for others, saying that the crackdown extends to visa holders, green-card carriers, and citizens who voice dissent.
In related news, a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center revealed that public opinion is divided over US involvement in international conflicts. This suggests a growing concern among Americans about the government’s foreign policy decisions.
Khalil’s experience reflects a tense political climate where activism can carry serious risks. It raises critical questions about the bounds of free speech and the treatment of those who dare to speak out. As the situation evolves, many are watching closely, concerned about the implications for civil rights and political expression in the United States.
Check out this related article: Meet the Judge Who Stopped Trump’s Deportations: Facing Impeachment Calls Amid Controversy
Source link