Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student and U.S. permanent resident of Palestinian descent, is demanding $20 million in damages from the Trump administration, alleging false imprisonment and politically motivated prosecution. Khalil, 30, was detained for over 100 days by U.S. immigration authorities after his pro-Palestinian activism drew scrutiny from officials.
His attorneys filed a claim Thursday against the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and State, a required step before pursuing legal action under federal law. The Trump administration has six months to respond. A DHS spokesperson dismissed the claim as “absurd,” stating Khalil’s detention was legally justified.
Khalil was arrested in March and held in detention while the government pursued deportation, citing his political views as harmful to U.S.-Israel relations. He was released on June 20 following a court order by U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz, who ruled that Khalil’s constitutional right to free speech had been violated.
The case has ignited backlash from civil rights and pro-Palestinian groups, who accuse the government of conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism. Former President Donald Trump has labeled pro-Palestinian protests as antisemitic and pledged to deport foreign students who participate.
Khalil’s legal team claims he was the first individual targeted under this policy, calling it a direct attack on political expression. “Trump made it clear he only understands the language of money,” Khalil said, adding he would also accept an official apology and assurance that the government will not detain others for expressing pro-Palestinian views.
The high-profile case has sparked nationwide attention, raising concerns about freedom of speech and the rights of foreign nationals under U.S. immigration law.