Breaking news
11 Jul 2025, Fri

Mahmoud Khalil Claims He Was Silenced, Smeared, and Jailed Over Pro-Palestinian Campus Activism

Mahmoud Khalil Claims He Was Silenced, Smeared, and Jailed Over Pro-Palestinian Campus Activism

From Protest to Prison: Columbia Grad Sues Trump Admin for $20M

Who is Mahmoud Khalil?

Mahmoud Khalil, a 30-year-old Palestinian-American and Columbia University graduate, became a symbol of student-led pro-Palestinian protests across U.S. campuses. His vocal activism reportedly made him a target of federal immigration enforcement.


🚔 Arrested Without Warning

In March 2025, Khalil was snatched by ICE agents without a warrant while heading to a job interview. Authorities accused him of being a national security threat, claiming ties to terrorism and antisemitic behavior — all of which Khalil strongly denies.

He spent 104 days locked in a Louisiana detention center. No charges. No trial. Just a revocation of his visa and claims based on Cold War-era immigration laws.


💼 The $20 Million Fight Back

Khalil is now suing the Trump administration for $20 million, filing a formal complaint under the Federal Tort Claims Act. His accusations include:

False imprisonment

Malicious prosecution

Character assassination — with claims he was smeared as antisemitic and wrongfully linked to Hamas


🧾 What Khalil is Demanding

Financial damages of $20M

A public apology

Policy reforms to protect political dissent

A pledge to donate any awarded funds to other victims of wrongful detention


🚨 DHS Claps Back

The Department of Homeland Security dismissed the lawsuit as “absurd,” saying Khalil exhibited “hateful” conduct and posed a threat. His legal team insists it was all part of a coordinated effort to criminalize pro-Palestinian speech.


⚖️ Why This Case Matters

Khalil’s legal battle is more than a personal fight — it’s a test case for free speech, due process, and immigration abuse in America. Civil rights groups are watching closely, warning this could set a dangerous precedent if left unchallenged.


🎙️ Khalil Speaks Out:

“This was not about law or justice — it was about silencing me because of what I stand for.”

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