Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate, is suing a $20 million damages claim against the Trump administration, alleging he was falsely imprisoned and targeted for his political beliefs. Khalil was arrested without a warrant in March 2025 and held for 104 days in a Louisiana immigration jail under harsh conditions, missing the birth of his son. The claim accuses federal agencies of malicious prosecution and defamation, with Khalil’s attorneys arguing that the arrest was a deliberate attempt to suppress pro-Palestinian speech. While detained, Khalil faced poor treatment, including denial of medication and limited access to legal support. A memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged Khalil broke no laws but justified deportation on foreign policy grounds. A federal judge eventually ordered his release, calling the government’s efforts unconstitutional. Since then, Khalil has faced new allegations concerning his green card application, which he and his legal team describe as retaliatory. Now out of detention, Khalil is working to rebuild his life while continuing his activism against the war in Gaza. He remains vocal about holding the government accountable and either seeks a settlement or meaningful policy reforms. Despite personal hardship and ongoing legal threats, he says his moral obligation to oppose violence against Palestinians remains unchanged, framing his advocacy as both deeply personal and politically urgent.