Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University student, was arrested by U.S. Department of Homeland Security agents as part of President Donald Trump’s efforts to seek deportation of foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests. Khalil’s arrest is seen as retaliation for his advocacy against Israel’s military assault on Gaza. Trump has accused Khalil of promoting Hamas, but he is not accused of a crime. Khalil’s wife, Noor Abdalla, who is eight months pregnant, has been fighting for his release, arguing that his arrest violates his constitutional free speech rights.
Khalil, who met his wife in Lebanon in 2016, was raised in a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria and came to the U.S. on a student visa. He became a prominent figure in the student protest movement at Columbia, advocating for divestment from companies supporting Israel’s government. The Trump administration has labeled these protests as antisemitic and supportive of Hamas.
Despite the support of Jewish faculty members at Columbia, Abdalla expressed frustration with the lack of assistance from the university administration. Khalil, who is currently detained, has been helping other migrants in jail and donating food with his commissary account. Abdalla emphasized Khalil’s dedication to advocating for his community and standing up for his people.
The legal battle continues as Khalil awaits a decision on the constitutionality of his arrest. Abdalla remains hopeful for her husband’s release before their child is born and expressed her excitement about starting a family with the person she loves.
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