Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and former Columbia University student, led a passionate pro-Palestine rally in New York on Sunday, days after his release from over 100 days in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) detention.
The 30-year-old, who was detained without criminal charges, condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and U.S. support for them.
Addressing supporters outside Columbia’s gates, Khalil reaffirmed his dedication to advocating for Palestinian rights, undeterred by his recent ordeal.
The rally highlighted ongoing tensions between student activists and university leadership, with Khalil accusing Columbia of suppressing pro-Palestine voices.
Khalil’s detention in Louisiana, which began in March, separated him from his wife, Noor Abdalla, and their newborn son, Deen.
A federal judge ruled his detention unconstitutional, granting his release on bail with restrictions, including surrendering his passport and limiting his travel.
Despite these constraints, Khalil vowed to continue his activism, criticizing Columbia’s trustees for attempting to expel and suspend students who protest for Palestine.
He described the university’s efforts as an attempt to silence the chant of “Free, Free Palestine,” which echoed through the crowd.
Khalil positioned himself as a human rights defender, rejecting claims of violence leveled against him.
The rally underscored broader issues of free speech and political persecution, with supporters like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez denouncing Khalil’s detention as a violation of First Amendment rights.
The Trump administration, which alleges Khalil poses a national security threat, plans to appeal his release, intensifying debates over immigration policies and activism.
Khalil’s case has galvanized pro-Palestine movements, with his resolve to persist — despite threats of further detention — serving as a rallying cry for students nationwide.
“If they threaten me with detention, even if they would kill me, I would still speak up for Palestine,” Khalil declared, signaling his unwavering commitment to the cause.