For Columbia University graduate and Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, it’s the happiest of times. He’s able to finally hold his one month old son, Deen, for the first time ever. Khalil has been imprisoned in a Louisiana jail since March 8. Due to travel restrictions, he was unable to be present for Deen’s birth on April 21. That changed on Thursday, when a familiar face saved the day — a federal judge. This intervention took place in the midst of ongoing discussions over Khalil’s detention and impending deportation.
Khalil was arrested in this recent unprecedented crackdown on protesters against the war in Gaza. This move completed one of the few key infrastructure promised by former President Donald Trump. The Trump administration then decided to deport Khalil, claiming that his activism was harmful to U.S. foreign policy goals in the conflict. Khalil’s attorneys say that his detainment serves the interests of his political opponents. They claim it’s a retribution for his leading role in the protests.
Though Khalil’s arrest is deplorable and Indianapolis will not let the situation die quietly, his community stands firmly behind him. Joseph Howley, a member of the community, described Khalil as an “upstanding, principled and well-respected member of our community.” Howley has known Khalil for years and attested to his character, stating, “I have never known Mahmoud to espouse any anti-Jewish sentiments or prejudices, and have heard him forcefully reject antisemitism on multiple occasions.”
Khalil’s wife, Noor Abdalla, said she is heartbroken over being torn from her husband at such a pivotal moment. Abdalla commented on the emotional toll it has taken, saying, “This is not just heartless. It is deliberate violence, the calculated cruelty of a government that tears families apart without remorse.” Her statement highlights the broader implications of Khalil’s detention on their family and the pain experienced by many in similar situations.
In addition, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) refused Khalil’s request to be present at the birth of his son. They described safety as the main factor informing their decision. Brian Acuna, representing ICE, stated it was “unsafe to allow Mr. Khalil’s wife and newborn child into a secured part of the facility.” This refusal to grant contact visits has been interpreted by Khalil’s attorneys as “further evidence of the retaliatory motive behind Mr. Khalil’s arrest and faraway detention.”
Amir Khalil’s case has gotten a lot of attention. He is one of the last of his ilk still in custody, still contending with both immigration and federal district court proceedings. He appeared in front of immigration judge Jamee Comans to recount his personal story. He described the serious risks he would face if forced to return to Syria or Algeria.
Organizational community support for Khalil has been loud and proud, with chants of “free Mahmoud” echoing through basketball games, weddings, and other festive occasions. His time confined has brought to light issues of due process and human rights, especially in regard to the separation of families.
On Thursday, Khalil was able to welcome his son home after an anxious four-month wait. The meeting came on the heels of a legal intervention by New Jersey’s Judge Michael Farbiarz. It was a high point in an otherwise low moment for Khalil. It served a critical role in reminding all of us about the emotional devastation that detention wreaks on families.
According to Justice department officials, granting Khalil visitation rights would create an inappropriate exception for him. This privilege is denied other noncitizen detainees. This raises concerns about differential treatment within the justice system and the implications it has for other individuals facing similar situations.