Mahmoud Khalil, known for his anti-Israel activism, made his way back to Columbia University on Sunday, just days after a judge ordered his release from immigration detention. During a protest march in New York City, Khalil spoke about past attempts by the Trump administration to detain and deport him.
“So, who really is Mahmoud Khalil?” he questioned. “The administration tried hard to paint me as someone violent. But I’m a human rights advocate—a freedom fighter, and yes, a father and husband.” He referred to this protest as the start of a “longer battle for justice.”
Khalil expressed frustration over what he termed “repression” during his detention, explaining that he felt the Trump administration aimed to stifle the movement advocating for Palestinian liberation. “They wanted to silence us, to distract from their military actions, but it didn’t work. Millions have spoken out more loudly than ever. That’s been my reality, despite personal sacrifices,” he stated calmly.
His rallying included raising the Palestinian flag and leading chants like “Columbia, Columbia, you can’t hide. You support genocide.” Footage of these moments circulated widely on social media.
Earlier this year, Khalil was arrested at Columbia due to his campus protests against Israel. An immigration judge deemed him removable from the country, partly based on a memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who cited his actions as contradicting U.S. foreign policy. Rubio invoked the Immigration and Nationality Act to support this decision, which was later upheld by a federal judge.
There has been a shift, however, with the Department of Homeland Security adding that Khalil failed to disclose relevant information in his green card application about his affiliations, which allegedly included involvement in protests at Columbia.
Ultimately, it was decided that Khalil should be released on bail after a judge found that he did not pose a flight risk.
