Mahmoud Khalil, the pro-Palestinian activist formerly detained by the Trump administration for leading protests at Columbia University, filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the federal government and several private groups.
Khalil alleges the groups were part of a conspiracy to suppress criticism of Israel by jailing and attempting to deport Palestinian supporters. His lawyers say this would violate federal laws that restrict government coordination with vigilante groups.
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Mahmoud Khalil, the pro-Palestinian activist formerly detained by the Trump administration for leading protests at Columbia University, filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the federal government and several private groups
Khalil alleges the groups were part of a conspiracy to suppress criticism of Israel by jailing and attempting to deport Palestinian supporters. His lawyers say this would violate federal laws that restrict government coordination with vigilante groups
Khalil was a lawful permanent resident when he was arrested in March 2025. He spent more than 100 days in jail and wasn’t permitted release for the birth of his son
“This case is about far more than what was done to me. It’s about a coordinated, ongoing campaign to punish silence and intimidate anyone who dares to speak out for Palestinian liberation,” Khalil said.
Khalil was a lawful permanent resident when he was arrested in March 2025. He spent more than 100 days in jail and wasn’t permitted release for the birth of his son.
“Mahmoud Khalil was given the privilege of coming to America to study on a student visa he obtained by fraud and misrepresentation. As we have always maintained, the Executive Branch has the lawful authority to take actions that will protect the public and to ensure the integrity of our immigration system,” White House Spokesperson Abigail Jackson said in a statement.
NY1 also reached out to the private groups involved in the lawsuit and is awaiting their response.