OUTCOME: On June 20, 2025, a US federal judge ordered Mahmoud Khalil’s release from immigration detention as his legal proceedings continue in immigration and federal courts. On March 8, US immigration authorities unlawfully arrested and arbitrarily detained Mahmoud, a lawful permanent resident, Palestinian activist and student organizer who recently graduated from Columbia University. Mahmoud was targeted for his role in student protests at Columbia University, where he was exercising his rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly protesting Israel’s genocide in Occupied Palestinian Territory.
NO FURTHER ACTION IS REQUESTED. MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO SENT APPEALS.
On March 9, US immigration authorities unlawfully arrested and arbitrarily detained Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and student organizer who recently graduated from Columbia University. He is a lawful permanent resident in the USA. Mahmoud was targeted for his role in student protests at Columbia University, where he was exercising his rights to freedom of expression and peacefully assembly. He has not been charged with a crime. He is being held in a detention center and authorities have informed him that they have “revoked” his permanent residency status and placed him in deportation proceedings. We demand authorities release Mahmoud immediately and respect his rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and due process.
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Deadline for this UA has been extended from May 24, 2025 to August 22, 2025
PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: August 22, 2025
Dear Secretary Noem,
On the evening of March 8, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents stopped Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student activist and recent graduate student at Columbia University, as he was walking home from an Iftar celebration with his 8-months pregnant wife and unlawfully arrested and detained him.
Mr. Khalil is a legal permanent resident and was informed by federal officials that his immigration paperwork was being revoked. Mahmoud Khalil has not been charged with a crime. He was actively involved in the protests and encampments at Columbia University in support of Palestinian rights and against the ongoing genocide in the occupied Gaza Strip.
Targeting peaceful protesters and threatening their immigration status for the content of their protest, such as advocating for the human rights of Palestinians, is a violation of freedom of expression and right to protest. Mr Khalil’s arbitrary detention sends a chilling message to people across this country, on and off campuses, that anyone exercising their rights will be subject to repression, detention, and possible deportation.
I implore you to rescind your order revoking his lawful permanent residency status and leverage your power to ensure that the Trump administration respect Mr. Khalil’s human rights, including his right to due process, and free him from ICE custody so he can return to his home in New York with his family.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
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