Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student, made headlines recently after being released from an immigration detention facility. Just days after his release, he returned to Columbia to lead a protest rally, highlighting his ongoing activism against U.S. foreign policy regarding Palestine.
Khalil was detained earlier this year for his outspoken views and protests on campus, which drew attention from immigration authorities. A judge ordered his release, stating he was not a flight risk. Following his release, Khalil addressed a crowd in New York City, where he expressed his feelings about his detention and the Trump administration’s actions against him.
In his speech, Khalil portrayed himself as a defender of human rights and a freedom fighter. He emphasized his identity as a Palestinian and a family man, stating, "Mahmoud Khalil is a human rights defender. Mahmoud Khalil is a freedom fighter." He called the rally a starting point for a longer fight for justice.
Khalil criticized the previous administration’s attempts to silence him and others advocating for Palestinian rights. He argued that the repression he faced was meant to intimidate activists and divert attention from the violence against Palestinians. He encouraged continued activism, asserting that millions have spoken out against injustices, and he intends to keep fighting for this cause.
The protest saw Khalil holding a Palestinian flag and chanting slogans against Columbia University, accusing it of supporting genocide. His activism has drawn both support and criticism, particularly after his arrest in March, which was linked to his anti-Israel protests on campus.
The U.S. government initially sought to deport Khalil based on claims that his protests contradicted U.S. foreign policy interests. However, a federal judge intervened, preventing his deportation. The Department of Homeland Security also cited concerns about his immigration application, claiming he failed to disclose affiliations with certain groups.
Khalil’s recent return to activism signals his determination to continue advocating for Palestinian rights, despite the challenges he has faced. His story raises questions about the intersection of immigration policy and political activism in the United States.