Mahmoud Khalil describes ICE detention, decries Columbia ‘hypocrisy’
- New york - Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate student recently released from immigration custody, publicly addressed his detention conditions and criticized Columbia University for what he called "hypocrisy."...
- Khalil returned to New York Saturday after spending 104 days in a Louisiana Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility.
- Khalil described the harsh conditions of his detainment, emphasizing the lack of privacy and the emotional toll on detainees. He highlighted the uncertainty faced by those held,...
Newly released from ICE detention after 104 days, Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil speaks out, directly criticizing the university for what he calls “hypocrisy” regarding its protection of international students. Khalil, a Palestinian human rights defender, details the harsh conditions he endured, including missing his sonS birth while held in a Louisiana ICE facility. He also reveals that the university denied his request to hold a press conference on campus. Khalil,a key figure in campus protests,firmly believes his detention was an attempt to silence the Palestinian liberation movement,and his legal team is preparing for the ongoing fight. Read the full story and explore the context of his detention, and reactions to it on News directory 3. Discover what’s next for Khalil and his fight for justice.
Khalil Slams columbia After ICE Detention
updated June 23, 2025
New york – Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate student recently released from immigration custody, publicly addressed his
detention conditions and criticized Columbia University for what he called “hypocrisy.” Speaking Sunday on the
steps of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, near the university, Khalil identified himself as a human rights
defender, freedom fighter, refugee, father, husband and Palestinian.
Khalil returned to New York Saturday after spending 104 days in a Louisiana Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE) facility. he said Columbia University denied his request to host the press conference on
campus.
Khalil described the harsh conditions of his detainment, emphasizing the lack of privacy and the emotional
toll on detainees. He highlighted the uncertainty faced by those held, unsure of when they might be released.Hundreds of supporters joined Khalil in chants, repeating “I believe that we will win,” a phrase he said he
etched into his bunk bed as a source of motivation.
His case gained national attention amid the Trump administration’s focus on pro-Palestinian student protests
following the oct. 7, 2023, attacks in Israel. These attacks resulted in 1,200 deaths in Israel, according to
Israeli tallies, and triggered a war in Gaza that has killed more than 55,000 people, according to the health
ministry in the enclave, which is run by Hamas. The World Health organization considers the numbers credible.
Khalil was a key figure in campus protests against the war.
Khalil questioned Columbia University’s commitment to protecting international students,noting the absence of
contact from the university during his detainment. Columbia University did not promptly respond to requests
for comment.
His wife, Noor Abdalla, said, “You may have taken time from us, but you did not take our spirit. One day, our
son will know his father did not bow to fear.” Khalil missed the birth of his son due to his detainment.
A federal judge ordered Khalil’s release Friday, determining he posed no flight risk or threat to foreign
policy, contrary to the Trump administration’s claims. The White House appealed the decision within minutes.
“While I’m grateful to be here with you all,I must say that this is onyl the beginning of a longer fight
towards justice. I want everyone to understand that my being here today is sweet, but it’s not a victory,”
Khalil said Sunday.
Khalil believes his detention was an attempt to silence the movement for Palestinian liberation. the goverment
is appealing the order for Khalil’s release,as well as a previous ruling that had preliminarily barred his
detention and deportation. Khalil’s legal team is prepared to continue the fight.
When asked about his message to students fearful of protesting, Khalil said, “Students across the country have
always led toward what’s right. They are our moral compass… That’s why the administration is doing everything
in its power to suppress us – as we are literally winning.”
What’s next
Khalil plans to continue advocating for Palestinian rights and fighting his deportation case,urging students
to continue protesting and speaking out against injustice.