Mahmoud Khalil, recently released from immigration custody after 104 days in an ICE facility, spoke out against his detention conditions and the “hypocrisy” of Columbia University, where he is a graduate student. Addressing media and supporters outside the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City, he emphasized his identity as a human rights defender, freedom fighter, Palestinian, and family man. Khalil returned to New York after being detained in Louisiana and shared his disappointing experience with Columbia, which denied him a venue for his press conference.
Khalil described the lack of privacy in detention and the emotional stories he encountered from fellow detainees, voicing a shared sentiment of uncertainty about their futures. His resilience was captured in a personal mantra he inscribed on his bunk: “I believe that we will win.” He expressed that his release, while celebrated, was just the beginning of a broader struggle for justice.
His detention attracted national attention, especially following the Trump administration’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests in the wake of the Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023. Khalil criticized Columbia for its inaction, contrasting its recent commitments to international students with his lack of support during his ordeal. His wife, Noor Abdalla, highlighted that Khalil missed the birth of their son, emphasizing their family’s undeterred spirit.
Despite his release, the government has appealed the federal judge’s decision that deemed him not a threat, and Khalil stated that his legal battle is far from over. He urged students not to be intimidated, referencing historical movements that drove change and asserting that student activism remains a vital moral compass. After his remarks, Khalil mobilized with supporters in a small march, marking his determination to continue fighting for justice.
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