Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student and activist, has been detained in a Louisiana detention center for two months following his arrest on March 8. His legal team released new footage they argue contradicts the government’s claim that he was a flight risk, which justified his detention without a warrant. The video, obtained through a subpoena and provided by Columbia University, shows Khalil interacting calmly and cooperatively with ICE agents in the lobby of his New York apartment building before his arrest. He is seen speaking with his attorney over the phone and even laughing with the agents while waiting for his wife, Dr. Noor Abdalla, to retrieve his green card from their apartment.
The video contradicts claims made by the government, which stated that Khalil refused to cooperate and expressed intent to leave the scene, leading to a belief he was a flight risk. Khalil’s legal team argues that the footage proves his calm demeanor and willingness to cooperate, emphasizing that ICE’s arrest was unconstitutional and retaliatory against his pro-Palestinian activism. According to legal representatives, the government cites Khalil’s beliefs as a reason for his deportation, linking him to activities aligned with Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, without substantiating these claims.
An immigration judge affirmed the government’s argument regarding national security implications tied to Khalil’s beliefs, but a recent federal court ruling allowed him to continue his fight against deportation. Khalil’s legal team remains committed to securing his freedom, asserting that the video presents compelling evidence against the government’s position.
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