() A defiant Mahmoud Khalil told supporters Sunday that his time in federal detention won’t deter him from campaigning on behalf of Palestinians who are suffering what he says is genocide under Israel and its ally and weapons supplier, the U.S.
“I want everyone to understand that my being here today is sweet, but it’s not a victory,” Khalil said at a rally in New York City. “Not when Palestinians are still being killed under U.S. bombs, and not when supporting their righteous struggle is so heavily criminalized.”
The Trump administration had sought to deport Khalil, a legal resident holding a green card, after he took part in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University that the White House said were antisemitic and contrary to U.S. foreign policy.
The Syrian-born Khalil, whose parents are Palestinian, had not been accused of breaking any laws but was held at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Louisiana for more than 100 days.
A federal judge last week ordered the 30-year-old former Columbia grad student released from custody, with restrictions, after saying he’s not a flight risk nor a danger to the public. Khalil on Sunday disputed the notion that he’s violent.
“Who is Mahmoud Khalil? … Mahmoud Khalil is a human rights defender. Mahmoud Khalil is a freedom fighter. Mahmoud Khalil is a refugee. Mahmoud Khalil is a father and husband, and above all, Mahmoud Khalil is Palestinian,” he said.
The government signaled it will appeal Khalil’s release.
