Mahmoud Khalil Files $20 Million Claim Against Trump Administration for Wrongful Detention

Pro-Palestinian activist’s legal battle spotlights free speech, government retaliation, and immigrant rights under renewed Trump policies

By Kageno HoshinoPublished 6 months ago • 3 min read

Washington D.C. skyline.

Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent pro-Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate student, has filed a $20 million administrative claim against the Trump administration for wrongful detention. Khalil, a green card holder, was held by ICE for over three months, alleging false arrest, malicious prosecution, and intentional infliction of emotional distress stemming from his activism.

Activist Seeks Justice and Accountability

Mahmoud Khalil’s claim, filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act, is a precursor to a potential federal lawsuit. Represented by the Center for Constitutional Rights, Khalil states that any awarded funds would be used to support other activists targeted by similar policies. He also indicated a willingness to accept an official apology and a reversal of the administration’s “unconstitutional policy” in lieu of monetary compensation.

The Detention and Its Aftermath

Khalil, 30, played a significant role in leading and negotiating during the pro-Palestinian encampments at Columbia University in spring 2024. He was detained by ICE agents in March 2025, becoming the first high-profile pro-Palestinian activist to be arrested under the Trump administration, which had vowed to suppress campus protests.

Khalil was transferred to an ICE facility in Louisiana.
The Trump administration sought his deportation, alleging support for Hamas, a claim Khalil’s legal team denies and for which no evidence was provided.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio invoked a rarely used provision of the law, asserting Khalil’s continued presence posed a risk to U.S. foreign policy.
An immigration judge initially found Khalil deportable, but a federal judge in New Jersey later ordered his release from detention.
Khalil was released on June 20, 2025, but deportation proceedings against him are ongoing.

Despite the lack of clear evidence, Secretary of State Marco Rubio invoked a rarely used provision of U.S. immigration law that authorizes the government to deport a noncitizen if their presence is determined to jeopardize U.S. foreign policy interests. An immigration judge initially found Khalil deportable under this provision, but after extensive legal challenges, a federal judge in New Jersey ordered his release in June 2025, citing due process violations. Khalil was freed on June 20, after spending over three months in federal custody. However, the deportation case against him remains ongoing, leaving his immigration status uncertain.

Allegations of Retaliation and Constitutional Violations

Khalil’s complaint accuses the State Department, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and ICE of a “retaliatory arrest” in response to his constitutionally protected speech. The complaint highlights public statements by high-level government officials who allegedly “falsely labeled him a terrorist sympathizer and an anti-semite,” aiming to damage his reputation and cause emotional distress.

“These were deliberate efforts to chill political expression and tarnish Mahmoud’s reputation,” said a spokesperson for the Center for Constitutional Rights. “This is precisely the kind of abuse the First Amendment was designed to prevent.”

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the administration’s actions, stating they were within legal and constitutional authority. McLaughlin asserted that Khalil “branded himself as antisemite through his own hateful behavior and rhetoric,” and that obtaining a visa or green card is a privilege.

Key Takeaways

Mahmoud Khalil is seeking $20 million in damages or an official apology from the Trump administration.
The claim alleges false arrest, malicious prosecution, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Khalil was detained for over three months following his role in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University.
The Trump administration cited national security concerns and alleged Hamas ties, which Khalil denies.
The case raises significant questions about free speech, government overreach, and the treatment of activists.