Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student detained by immigration agents in March, has publicly addressed the severe impact of his arrest on himself and his family. In a declaration submitted by his legal team, Khalil recounted the “irreparable harm” he has endured, particularly highlighted by being unable to be present during the birth of his son, Deen. Instead of supporting his wife, Dr. Noor Abdalla, during labor, he was confined in a detention center, forced to comfort her through a distant phone line while surrounded by other detainees.
Khalil criticized the U.S. government, particularly President Trump, for making “grotesque and false” claims against him, stating that he was targeted for deportation due to his involvement in organizing pro-Palestinian rallies. He condemned the allegations of supporting terrorism, which have also led to harassment against his family. These charges have deeply affected his reputation and thwarted his aspirations in international diplomacy and human rights advocacy, resulting in a revoked job offer from Oxfam International.
The Department of Homeland Security defended the decision to detain Khalil, emphasizing that he was granted contact with his family and an option for self-deportation. Khalil expressed the profound humiliation of having his image and character vilified publicly, stating that these actions aimed to dehumanize him.
Khalil’s wife, in a separate declaration, expressed fears for their safety and noted that they face heightened Islamophobia due to his case. She emphasized that their future stability is jeopardized by the ongoing legal challenges and the false allegations against Khalil, which have permeated every aspect of their lives.
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