Mahmoud Khalil seeks $20 mln over detention by Trump administration

Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student and outspoken pro-Palestinian advocate, is seeking $20 million in damages from the administration of President Donald Trump, alleging he was wrongfully detained and maliciously prosecuted for his political beliefs.

Khalil’s attorneys announced Thursday that a legal claim has been filed against the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and State, a necessary step before launching a federal lawsuit. Under the law, the government has six months to respond.

A DHS spokesperson rejected the allegations, calling the claim “absurd” and stating that Khalil’s detention was lawful and within the administration’s authority.

Khalil, a 30-year-old permanent U.S. resident of Palestinian descent, was arrested in March and held for more than 100 days.

The Trump administration reportedly moved to deport him, citing his pro-Palestinian activism as a threat to U.S. relations with Israel.

He was released on June 20 after a lengthy legal battle, during which his lawyers accused the administration of targeting him over constitutionally protected speech.

“I want this to send a message,” Khalil told Reuters. “President Trump only seems to respond to financial pressure, so we’re holding him accountable in the way he understands best.”

Khalil added that he would also accept a formal apology and a commitment from the administration to stop detaining or deporting individuals for expressing pro-Palestinian views.

President Trump has previously condemned anti-Israel protests as antisemitic and pledged to deport international students who participate in them.

Khalil’s detention made him the first known case under this policy, sparking widespread concern among civil rights organizations who argue that criticizing Israel’s actions should not be equated with antisemitism.