Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent Palestinian activist and former Columbia University graduate student, has filed a $20 million lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing it of wrongful imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and defamation, including being falsely labeled as antisemitic.
The legal action comes weeks after Khalil’s release, as he continues to face deportation proceedings tied to his pro-Palestinian activism, particularly his involvement in university protests over Gaza.
Sitting in his Manhattan apartment holding his 10-week-old son, Khalil recalled the trauma:
“I can’t describe the pain that night… I’ll never forgive this,” he told CNN.
The Lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed by Khalil’s legal team, alleges that the U.S. government targeted him because of his vocal support for Palestinian rights and attempted to silence dissent under the guise of national security and hate speech accusations.
“They abuse their power because they believe they’re untouchable,” Khalil said.
“If there’s no accountability, it will continue without consequences.”
Khalil emphasized that any compensation received will be shared with others he claims were also targeted by Trump’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian voices. He added that, in lieu of a settlement, he would accept a formal apology and a reform in deportation policy.
Government Response
Tricia McLaughlin, spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, called the lawsuit “absurd,” claiming Khalil’s speech included “hate rhetoric” that allegedly threatened Jewish students on campus.
The State Department asserted that all actions taken against Khalil were in full accordance with U.S. law.
Meanwhile, Khalil’s immigration case remains pending in court.
