Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil’s legal team recently released footage from the moments leading up to his March arrest, asserting it contradicts government claims of him being a flight risk. Khalil, a Syrian-born green card holder, has been detained at a Louisiana facility for two months amidst ongoing legal battles over his detention and potential deportation. This marked the first arrest linked to the administration’s campaign against student activism related to the Gaza conflict.
The five-minute video, obtained via subpoena from Columbia, shows Khalil in the lobby of his apartment building conversing with his attorney on the phone and interacting with ICE agents. Khalil appears calm, cooperative, and even shares light moments with the agents. His wife, Dr. Noor Abdalla, is also seen retrieving Khalil’s green card from their apartment during the encounter, which culminates with Khalil handing his green card to the agents.
In court filings, the government initially suggested that Khalil’s apparent refusal to cooperate justified his arrest, but contradicted themselves by acknowledging that they allowed his wife to fetch his paperwork instead of simply detaining him. Khalil’s legal representatives argue that the video strongly supports their case, showcasing that he was neither evasive nor disruptive during the arrest procedure. They assert that ICE’s actions were unconstitutional and retaliatory, aimed at Khalil’s pro-Palestinian activism.
While Khalil has not faced any criminal charges, the government claims he poses a national security threat due to his affiliations with pro-Palestinian activities. An immigration judge recently upheld this viewpoint, despite Khalil’s legal team continuing to challenge the deportation order in federal court. They remain committed to securing Khalil’s release.
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