Heartwarming Moment: Mahmoud Khalil Finally Holds Newborn Son Amid Government Challenges

NEW YORK (AP) — Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil had the chance to hold his 1-month-old son for the first time on Thursday. This moment came after a federal judge intervened to stop the Trump administration from keeping them apart by a plexiglass barrier.

Khalil, a legal permanent resident and graduate of Columbia University, has been held in a Louisiana jail since March 8. He was the first individual arrested under Trump’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests. Although he hasn’t been charged with a crime, authorities are seeking to deport him, claiming his activism against Israel’s actions in Gaza undermines U.S. foreign policy.

Khalil’s request to attend his son’s birth on April 21 was denied by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The legal battle over this visit highlighted claims from Khalil’s attorneys that he is a target of political retaliation by the government.

On Wednesday night, Federal Judge Michael Farbiarz ordered that Khalil could finally have a contact visit with his family. Initially, the government proposed a “non-contact” visit, meaning Khalil would have to meet his wife and son through a plastic divider. They cited safety concerns, arguing that allowing a family visit would be unprecedented. However, Khalil’s attorneys fought back, stating that the government’s actions were cruel and politically motivated.

Khalil’s wife, Noor Abdalla, traveled across the country to the detention center, hoping for this reunion. She described the government’s stance as deliberate cruelty, echoing the pain felt by other families affected by conflict.

As of now, Judge Farbiarz is also reviewing Khalil’s petition for release, challenging a Louisiana immigration judge’s ruling that allows for his deportation. On Thursday, Khalil faced another immigration judge, presenting evidence of the risks he would face if sent back to Syria or Algeria. Support from Columbia University faculty highlighted his character, with one professor attesting to his integrity and stance against antisemitism.

No ruling was made on Thursday, but the case is ongoing, with lawyers set to file closing arguments soon. Khalil’s absence was felt deeply at Columbia’s recent commencement ceremony, where students chanted for his release.

This situation reflects broader issues of immigration policy and the impact of political actions on individuals and families. Recent studies highlight that cases like Khalil’s are increasingly common, raising questions about the balance between national security and individual rights.



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