Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian-American activist and Columbia University graduate, has filed a $20 million claim against the Trump administration, alleging wrongful arrest, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and political retaliation related to his pro-Palestinian activism on U.S. college campuses. Khalil was detained for 104 days by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Louisiana without being charged, after the administration targeted him as part of a crackdown on immigrants involved in protests supporting Palestinian rights.
The claim, filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act, accuses the Department of Homeland Security, ICE, and the State Department of carrying out an illegal plan to arrest, detain, and deport Khalil “in a manner calculated to terrorize him and his family.” Khalil’s attorneys argue that his detention violated his constitutional rights, including his First and Fifth Amendment protections, and caused him severe emotional distress, economic hardship, and damage to his reputation.
Khalil, a legal permanent resident married to a U.S. citizen, was the first high-profile pro-Palestinian activist detained under this policy, which former President Trump publicly supported as a way to “crush” campus protests he labeled antisemitic. Khalil was denied temporary release even when his wife gave birth to their first child during his detention. He has stated that while he seeks $20 million in damages, he would accept an official apology and the abandonment of the administration’s unconstitutional policy instead.
The Trump administration has rejected Khalil’s claims, with the Department of Homeland Security calling them “absurd” and accusing him of hateful behavior that threatened Jewish students. The State Department also defended its actions as lawful and justified.
This case highlights the tension between immigration enforcement and political activism, raising critical questions about government overreach, free speech rights for immigrants, and the treatment of dissent under U.S. law. Khalil’s lawsuit is seen as a landmark challenge to policies that many view as politically motivated attempts to silence pro-Palestinian voices.
Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Claimant | Mahmoud Khalil, Palestinian-American activist, Columbia graduate |
| Amount Sought | $20 million |
| Basis of Claim | False arrest, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, emotional distress, political retaliation |
| Detention Details | Held 104 days in ICE detention in Louisiana without charges |
| Legal Grounds | Federal Tort Claims Act, constitutional violations (First and Fifth Amendments) |
| Administration Response | Denial of allegations, labeling claims as “absurd,” justification based on national security |
| Khalil’s Demands | Monetary damages or official apology and policy change |
| Broader Implications | Government overreach, free speech, immigrant rights, political repression |
Mahmoud Khalil’s case is a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate about civil liberties and political activism in the United States, particularly for immigrant communities advocating for Palestinian rights.