Mahmoud Khalil’s Wife Documents Arrest on Video
The American Civil Liberties Union recently released a 2-minute video capturing the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent activist known for leading protests on Columbia University’s campus. The video, posted on Instagram last Friday, shows plainclothes agents detaining Khalil in his building lobby, with his wife, Noor Abdalla, who is eight months pregnant, recording the incident.
The video begins with federal immigration officials surrounding Khalil in the building, informing him of his arrest and placing him in handcuffs. Despite Abdalla’s attempts to speak to a lawyer and identify the officials, they refuse to provide information and escort Khalil to a car parked outside. The family’s attorney was also hung up on when trying to get answers about the arrest.
The Detention of Mahmoud Khalil
Khalil’s detention occurred on a Saturday night as he and his wife were returning to their Columbia University-owned apartment in upper Manhattan. Department of Homeland Security officials informed the couple that Khalil’s student visa had been revoked, leading to his arrest. Even after providing evidence of his green card holder status, Khalil was taken into custody, prompting his attorneys to file a lawsuit challenging the detention.
Facing Deportation Allegations
The Department of Homeland Security accused Khalil of supporting Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, during protests he led. The White House further elaborated on this accusation, claiming that Khalil distributed pro-Hamas propaganda and supported anti-American activities. However, Khalil’s lawyer, Samah Sisay, refuted these claims, stating that there was no evidence of his client’s involvement with terrorist organizations.
Mahmoud Khalil: A Student Activist
Khalil gained prominence as an activist during the protests at Columbia University and served as a student negotiator, engaging with university officials and the press. Recently, he was investigated by a disciplinary body at Columbia focused on harassment and discrimination complaints. Khalil completed his master’s degree in public administration from Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs.
Legal Status and Deportation
Born and raised in Syria after his Palestinian grandparents were displaced, Khalil came to the U.S. on a student visa to pursue his studies at Columbia. He became a legal permanent resident and married a U.S. citizen. While green card holders can be deported, the government must prove grounds for deportation, such as criminal convictions or support to a terrorist group.
Khalil’s Detention Location
Currently, Khalil is held at a federal immigration detention facility in central Louisiana. The Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center in Jena, a complex surrounded by barbed wire fences, has a capacity of about 1,160 detainees. Louisiana has become a hub for immigrant detention, with many facilities run by private contractors, raising concerns about access to legal representation and family communication.
In conclusion, the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil raises complex legal and human rights concerns, highlighting the challenges faced by immigrant activists and individuals in deportation proceedings. The video documenting his arrest has sparked widespread attention and calls for accountability in the handling of his case. As the legal battle unfolds, Khalil’s supporters and legal team continue to advocate for his rights and challenge the allegations brought against him.
