Palestinian Activist Sues Trump Administration For $20 Million Over False Imprisonment

Last Updated:July 11, 2025, 19:33 IST

Mahmoud Khalil was arrested from his New York apartment in March 2025 after his participation in pro-Palestinian protests in Columbia University.

Mahmoud Khalil is a green card holder and a permanent resident of the US

Mahmoud Khalil, a 30-year-old pro-Palestinian activist, has sued the Trump administration days after being released from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility. Khalil was arrested in March this year by ICE agents at his New York apartment. He was reportedly imprisoned for his pro-Palestinian stance during his participation in on-campus protests.

In a complaint filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act by Khalil’s attorney, the Trump administration is facing a $20 million claim. Alternatively, he is willing to forgo the settlement in exchange for an official apology and changes to the deportation policies under the current government. It is alleged that he was falsely imprisoned. The Trump 2.0 administration has reportedly attempted to maliciously prosecute him and defame his actions in a political move to deport him from the US. His complaint has accused the State Department, DHS, and ICE.

According to an Indian Express report, the legal claim states, “Officials at the highest levels of the United States government publicly lashed out at Mr. Khalil on social media, falsely labelling him a terrorist sympathizer and an antisemite—derogatory charges designed to destroy Mr. Khalil’s reputation, put him in physical danger, and cause extreme emotional distress."

Khalil believes the Trump administration is abusing its power and sees itself as untouchable. He wants the government to take accountability for its actions.

Meanwhile, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin has supported the administration’s actions. An ABC report cited her saying, “Mahmoud Khalil’s claim that DHS officials branded him as an antisemite and terrorised him and his family is absurd. It was Khalil who terrorised Jewish students on campus."

Khalil, a green card holder and permanent resident of the US, is married to Noor Abdalla. During his imprisonment, he was denied temporary relief while his wife gave birth to their first child. He was a key negotiator during protests at Columbia University. He was released from the detention facility in June 2025 after a federal judge in New Jersey questioned the basis for his arrest, preventing the Trump administration from deporting or continuing to detain him.

Despite being released, Khalil continues to face the threat of deportation by the Trump administration.

Delhi, India, India

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