Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student, has spoken out for the first time since his detention by immigration agents in March, detailing the profound impact of his arrest on both himself and his family.
In a declaration filed by his legal team as part of a bid for a preliminary injunction in his federal case, Khalil described the “irreparable harm” he has endured.
One of the most harrowing experiences shared by Khalil was during the birth of his son, Deen.
He recounted how, instead of being by his wife’s side in the delivery room, he found himself crouching on the floor of a detention center, trying to comfort her through a broken phone connection.
With 70 other men sleeping nearby, Khalil could only listen to his wife laboring alone, powerless to support her.
“When I heard my son’s first cries, I buried my face in my arms so no one would see me weep,” he expressed, capturing the raw pain of his separation.
Dr. Noor Abdalla, Khalil’s wife, had requested his presence during the birth, but U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement denied her request.
Khalil shared how the inability to see his family has been “devastating” and has significantly impacted their lives.
In the declaration, Khalil condemned the Trump administration and the White House, labeling their accusations against him as “grotesque and false.”
The charges, he claims, stem from his involvement in organizing pro-Palestinian rallies on the Columbia campus, leading to his classification as a target for deportation.
Currently, Khalil is being held at a facility in Jena, Louisiana, a rural location far from his family.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated, “It is a privilege to be granted a visa or green card to live and study in the United States of America.”
The statement further asserted that individuals who “advocate for violence, glorify and support terrorists,” and harass others should lose that privilege.
DHS noted that Khalil was granted a contact visit with his wife and son prior to his court appearance and mentioned the option of self-deportation available to him.
In his declaration, Khalil described the humiliation of having mugshot-style images of himself disseminated by high-ranking government officials, accompanied by inflammatory language and accusations.
He lamented, “These were not just attacks on my character; they were efforts to erase my humanity.”
The stigma associated with his detention has also extended to his family, who have faced harassment since he was labeled a “U.S. foreign policy concern” and accused of being supportive of Hamas.
Khalil vehemently denies these allegations, calling them false and deeply racist, asserting that they have not only tarnished his reputation but have also severely hindered his professional aspirations in international diplomacy and human rights advocacy.
Prior to his arrest, Khalil accepted a position as a policy adviser with Oxfam International.
However, the offer was rescinded following his detention.
He believes that the Rubio Determination, combined with the public stigma from his arrest, played a significant role in the loss of this opportunity.
Khalil remarked, “I was not surprised; roles like this depend on your reputation.”
Oxfam International has stated that they do not comment on individual human resources matters.
In a separate declaration, Dr. Noor Abdalla shared her fears for their safety amid the ongoing implications of Khalil’s case.
She remarked, “Mahmoud’s case has impacted every aspect of our life,” noting that her experiences with Islamophobia have intensified due to his detention and the public scrutiny surrounding their family.
Dr. Abdalla expressed concern that both of their careers, their aspirations for stability, and their son Deen’s future will be forever altered by the false allegations against Khalil.
image source from：https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/mahmoud-khalil-responds-grotesque-charges-new-legal-filing-says-arrest-rcna211399
