Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University activist, recently spoke out against the Trump administration, claiming it has failed to silence pro-Palestinian voices. His comments came after he was released from more than three months in immigration detention. Khalil, who was arrested on March 8 during a pro-Palestinian protest, expressed his determination to continue advocating for Palestinian rights and immigrant issues.
Speaking at Newark Airport upon his release, Khalil stated, "My existence is a message" to the Trump administration, emphasizing that attempts to suppress activism have not succeeded. His arrest sparked significant protests in New York and Washington, D.C., highlighting the strong public support for his cause.
The U.S. government has been pursuing Khalil’s deportation, arguing that his activism poses a threat to foreign policy interests. However, a judge recently ruled that he was not a flight risk or a danger to the community, leading to his release. Despite this, the Trump administration plans to appeal the decision as it continues its efforts to remove him from the country.
Khalil criticized the White House for trying to "dehumanize anyone who does not agree with the administration." He vowed to keep fighting for the rights of Palestinians and immigrants, particularly those still detained in the facility where he was held in Louisiana. His story reflects the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration and activism in the United States.