Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student detained by ICE two months ago, has had new footage released by his legal team, challenging the government’s claims that he posed a flight risk justifying his arrest without a warrant. Khalil, a Syrian-born green card holder and pro-Palestinian activist, was arrested on March 8 in New York City, marking a significant case under the Biden administration’s crackdown on student protests against the Gaza war.
The five-minute silent security footage, obtained via a subpoena from Columbia, shows Khalil calmly interacting with ICE agents in his apartment lobby, suggesting he was cooperative and engaged. His wife, Dr. Noor Abdalla, briefly leaves to retrieve his green card, which he later hands over to agents. The video counters previous claims that Khalil resisted cooperation, affirming he did not attempt to flee.
Despite the lack of criminal charges against Khalil, the administration contends he should be deported due to supposed affiliations with Hamas, a claim derived from unverified media reports. Last month, a Louisiana immigration judge sided with the government, stating that Khalil’s beliefs could threaten national security. However, a New Jersey District Judge allowed him to continue fighting his deportation in federal court.
Khalil’s legal representatives argue that the new video reinforces their case, labeling his arrest an unconstitutional retaliation for pro-Palestinian activism. Ramzi Kassem, a co-director with Creating Law Enforcement Accountability & Responsibility (CLEAR), emphasized that the footage disproves any narrative of Khalil attempting to evade authorities, insisting he never exhibited any intent to flight. His team remains committed to securing his freedom.
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