Columbia Activist Sues Trump Admin Over ICE Detention

Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate student, has filed a $20 million lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and defamation after being detained by ICE for 104 days. The suit names the Department of Homeland Security, ICE, and the State Department as defendants, and claims Khalil was targeted for his involvement in campus protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza. Khalil, a legal U.S. resident married to a citizen, was arrested in March and missed the birth of his son while held in a Louisiana facility. A judge eventually ordered his release, citing weak evidence. The administration has defended its actions by labeling Khalil a national security threat and accusing him of hateful rhetoric, while Khalil and his lawyers allege political motivation and abuse of power. The lawsuit also raises concerns about detention conditions, family impact, and broader fears of political retaliation against activists.