$20 million to be paid as Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalil files claim against Trump administration.

$20 million to be paid as Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalil files claim against Trump administration.

Politis & Justice.

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Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and pro-Palestinian activist, has filed a $20 million claim against the Trump administration for what he calls unlawful detention and political retaliation.

Khalil was arrested on March 8, 2025, and held for over 100 days in an ICE facility in Louisiana, missing both his graduation and the birth of his son.

He alleges the government abused its power, falsely imprisoned him, and violated his First and Fifth Amendment rights.

The claim, filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act, targets the Departments of Homeland Security and State.

Khalil says he would accept an official apology and policy change in lieu of payment.

A federal judge ordered his release on June 20, citing constitutional concerns

Yetunde B reports for Yeyetunde’s Blog.

Images / Mahmoud Khalil / Instagram