Columbia Grad Student Denied Release to Attend Son's Birth While in ICE Custody

In a heartbreaking turn of events, a family has been torn apart due to the immigration detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and Palestinian activist. Despite being a legal permanent resident, Khalil has been held in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody since March 8, after being taken from his apartment in New York City.

Denial of Temporary Release

Khalil's wife, Dr. Noor Abdalla, has expressed her anguish over the situation, revealing that ICE denied Khalil's request for temporary release from a detention center in Louisiana to attend the birth of their first child. In a statement, Abdalla emphasized the emotional toll this decision has had on their family, stating, "This was a purposeful decision by ICE to make me, Mahmoud, and our son suffer." The denial of release was confirmed in a message from the top ICE official in New Orleans, which stated, "After consideration of the submitted information and a review of your client's case, your request for furlough is denied."

Ongoing Deportation Proceedings

Despite not being charged with any crime, Khalil's deportation proceedings have continued, with a judge recently ruling that the federal government's efforts to deport him could move forward. Allegations made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio in court documents claimed that Khalil's presence threatened "U.S. policy to combat anti-Semitism around the world and in the United States, in addition to efforts to protect Jewish students from harassment and violence in the United States." Additionally, Trump officials accused Khalil of omitting information about his work history on his green card application. The judge has given Khalil's lawyers until April 23 to file applications for relief to stop his deportation to Syria, where he was born, or Algeria, where he is a citizen.

Family's Heartfelt Plea

Dr. Abdalla has voiced her determination to fight for Khalil's release, stating, "I will continue to fight every day for Mahmoud to come home to us. I know when Mahmoud is freed, he will show our son how to be brave, thoughtful, and compassionate, just like his dad." The emotional toll of Khalil's detention on the family has been profound, with Abdalla describing the experience of being separated from her husband during such a significant moment in their lives as "one of the most terrifying times of my life." She added, "My son and I should not be navigating his first days on earth without Mahmoud. ICE and the Trump administration have stolen these precious moments from our family in an attempt to silence Mahmoud's support for Palestinian freedom."

Legal Battle

Khalil's legal team has condemned the deportation proceedings, labeling the hearing a "charade of due process" and vowing to appeal the ruling. They have been working tirelessly to secure Khalil's release and prevent his deportation, citing the unjust nature of his detention and the impact it has had on his family.

Community Support

The story of Mahmoud Khalil and Dr. Noor Abdalla has garnered attention and support from various advocacy groups, human rights organizations, and individuals who have expressed their solidarity with the family. The plight of Khalil, an active member of the Columbia University community and a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, has resonated with many who believe in the importance of standing up for justice and fighting against unjust detention.

Call for Action

The situation has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for action to demand Khalil's release and to raise awareness about the impact of immigration detention on families. Advocates have urged the public to support Khalil and Dr. Abdalla by amplifying their story, signing petitions, and contacting relevant authorities to urge for Khalil's release.