Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate student, has filed a US$20 million claim against the Trump administration for false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and defamation. Khalil was detained for 104 days by ICE, allegedly due to his prominent role in campus protests, despite being a legal U.S. permanent resident and not accused of a crime. He was released on June 20 by a federal judge who found the government's deportation efforts likely unconstitutional. The claim names the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the State Department.
Freed from ICE detention, Mahmoud Khalil files US$20 million claim against Trump administration
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate student, has filed a US$20 million claim against the Trump administration for false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and defamation. Khalil was detained for 104 days by ICE, allegedly due to his prominent role in campus protests, despite being a legal U.S. permanent resident and not accused of a crime. He was released on June 20 by a federal judge who found the government's deportation efforts likely unconstitutional. The claim names the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the State Department.
Trending- 1 March 8: Mahmoud Khalil arrested by plainclothes federal agents.
- 2 March 8 - June 20: Khalil detained for 104 days in an immigration jail in Jena, Louisiana.
- 3 During detention: A memo signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio argued for Khalil's deportation based on his beliefs.
- 4 June 20: A federal judge ordered Khalil's release, finding the government's efforts to remove him likely unconstitutional.
- 5 Weeks after release (July 10, 2025): Khalil's lawyers filed a US$20 million claim against the Trump administration.
- 6 Late Wednesday (before July 10, 2025): Khalil's attorneys filed a motion to dismiss new allegations against him.
- 7 Ongoing: The deportation case against Khalil continues to wind through the immigration court system.
- Potential lawsuit against the U.S. government
- Ongoing immigration court case against Khalil
- Continued activism by Khalil against Israel's war in Gaza
- Public debate on free speech, immigration policies, and government accountability
What: Mahmoud Khalil filed a US$20 million claim for damages against the Trump administration.
When: Thursday (July 10, 2025) - claim filed; March 8 - arrest; June 20 - release.
Where: Manhattan (Khalil's residence), Jena, Louisiana (detention facility), New York (son's birth), Columbia University (Khalil's alma mater), Beirut (Khalil's past work location).
Why: Khalil alleges false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and defamation by the Trump administration, which he claims sought to deport him over his prominent role in campus protests. He seeks restitution and aims to hold the government accountable for abusing its power.
How: Khalil's lawyers filed a claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act, which is a precursor to a lawsuit.