Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student and pro-Palestinian activist, has been detained in a Louisiana facility for two months following his arrest on March 8. His legal team recently released new security footage that they argue undermines government claims that he posed a flight risk, a rationale given for his detention without an arrest warrant. The video, obtained through a subpoena from Columbia University, shows Khalil calmly interacting with ICE officials outside his New York City apartment as he speaks with his attorney by phone and cooperatively hands over his phone for communication. During the video, Khalil appears relaxed, even sharing moments of laughter with the agents.
Previously, government documents claimed that the ICE agents allowed Khalil’s wife to retrieve his green card from their apartment to confirm his identity without arresting him. They asserted that Khalil had refused to cooperate, prompting them to see him as a flight risk. However, the newly released footage contradicts this narrative. Khalil’s legal team argues it reveals ICE’s unconstitutional actions, portraying him as calm and willing to cooperate. Ramzi Kassem, co-director of a legal aid organization, emphasized that the video substantiates their claims, emphasizing that Khalil wasn’t trying to flee.
Despite having no criminal accusations against him, the Trump administration is pursuing Khalil’s deportation based on his activism, labeling it as aligned with Hamas. An immigration judge recently ruled that his beliefs posed a potential national security threat. However, a federal court judge has allowed Khalil to continue his fight for freedom. His legal team remains committed to securing his release.
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