Mahmoud Khalil, a distinguished alumnus of Columbia University, has lodged a $20 million compensation claim against the Trump administration. Detained for an extended period due to his advocacy for Palestinian causes, Khalil claims the government abused their power by unduly arresting, incarcerating, and prosecuting him. This alleged misuse of power placed a heavy emotional burden on Khalil, caused financial strain, damaged his reputation and severely violated his First and Fifth Amendment rights, according to the claim filed on July 10.
Khalil, a 30-year-old passionate activist, was detained on March 8 in Manhattan. His detention center was situated in Louisiana, a distance of 1,400 miles separating him from his expectant wife and subsequently, his newborn son. A federal judge in New Jersey deemed the government’s attempt to expel him on the basis of foreign policy likely in violation of constitution, leading to Khalil’s release on June 20.
Reflecting on his ordeal, Khalil stated that his fight for justice had just begun. In spite of his release, he pointed out that he can’t recover the 104 days lost during his incarceration. He shared the ordeals he endured during his detainment, which included sustained trauma, separation from his wife and the agonizing experience of missing the birth of his first child.
Khalil strongly advocated for accountability regarding perceived political retribution and misuse of power. According to his filed claim, the negative consequences he suffered grew out of Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s decision. Rubio had determined that Khalil’s presence and activities were not in alignment with the foreign policy interests.
The Trump administration has publicly stated it has the right, under a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act, to force non-citizens out of the country based on foreign policy considerations. In reaction to Khalil’s claim, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin asserted that obtaining a visa or green card granting the privilege to live and study in the U.S. is indeed a privilege. McLaughlin affirmed that the administration was within its statutory and constitutional rights in their actions toward Khalil.
President Donald Trump has labeled those who protested Israel’s war in Gaza as anti-Semitic. He then equated these protests to supporting terrorists. Khalil strongly denied these allegations, stating they were untrue, causing unbearable emotional distress and permanently tarnishing his reputation, livelihood, and personal safety. He had denounced anti-Semitism both prior to and following his arrest.
The claim indicates that this incident led to extensive harassment, serious death threats, unwarranted surveillance, and gratuitous litigation against Khalil and his wife. Khalil is of the view that the government’s actions were in retaliation for his constitutional right to voice defense of Palestinian rights. He vowed not to be silent in face of these impediments.
His current claim forms the basis for an impending federal lawsuit against the Trump administration. However, Khalil continues to face an allegation in a federal court in New Jersey for inaccuracies discovered in his green card application. He and his legal representation emphatically dismiss these accusations as false.
On July 9, a motion was placed by Khalil’s legal representation challenging the government’s pursuit of detaining and deporting Khalil on grounds of the immigration charge – a move they argue to be unconstitutional. Khalil, born in Palestine but raised in Syria, played the dual role of a student negotiator and spokesperson for protestors at Columbia University in spring of 2024. His role was pivotal during the college-wide protests against the war in Gaza.
Federal immigration officials took Khalil into custody on March 8 upon his return from a dinner date with his wife. This occurred in the lobby of his student apartment complex, located in Manhattan. Vowing to relentlessly pursue justice, Khalil stated that he aims to hold all those who played a part in his unlawful detention accountable. He also mentioned those who tarnished his reputation through spreading falsehoods.
In his statement, Khalil pledged to continue his quest for justice, saying it is not merely for his benefit, but for the benefit of everyone who the U.S. government tries to intimidate and silence through fear, banishment, or detention. The claim pressed by Khalil’s legal team was presented against the departments of Homeland Security and State. This was made under the Federal Tort Claims Act, a statute that encompasses the ability for citizens to sue the U.S. government for damages resulting from infringements of civil law.
Mahmoud Khalil is seeking a hefty $20 million as compensation for personal injury sustained and emotional distress endured. He expressed that he would also accept an official apology and the Trump administration’s relinquishing of its policy that he deems unconstitutional. According to him, this would be an acceptable substitute in lieu of the financial compensation.