Palestinian Activist Mahmoud Khalil Sues Trump Administration for $20M Over Detention

Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate, has filed a $20 million lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and defamation related to his detention by immigration authorities from March to June. Khalil, a legal permanent resident and father who missed the birth of his son due to his incarceration, claims his arrest was politically motivated in retaliation for his leadership in pro-Palestinian campus protests and that he was wrongly labeled an antisemite. The Trump administration, through the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies, has dismissed the claims as absurd and accused Khalil of hateful rhetoric threatening Jewish students. Khalil’s legal action, filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act, aims to hold the government accountable for what he calls abuse of power and political retaliation, with his deportation case still ongoing. He seeks not only financial restitution but also policy changes and an official apology, intending to support others targeted in similar actions. The case highlights tensions between the administration's crackdown on foreign student activism and concerns over civil liberties and political expression.