Mahmoud Khalil emerged from the confines of a notorious immigration detention center in Louisiana after 104 days, his emotions a mix of relief and bittersweet reflection. As he stepped away from the razor-wire topped fences, a symbol of his prolonged detention, he greeted a small gathering of journalists with a raised fist, signifying both his inner composure and the deep sense of injustice he had endured. Despite finding a measure of justice in his release, Khalil emphasized the overdue nature of this moment and the many others who remained confined in unwarranted detention.
After being whisked away from his home in New York for his pro-Palestine activism, Khalil now stands as the most high-profile student apprehended by the Trump administration. He speaks candidly about the stark reality of losing one’s rights upon entering such a facility, criticizing the stark contrast between the country’s professed values and the treatment of detainees. Khalil is the last of the students arrested and detained under charges of national security threats, with the administration continuing to seek his expulsion from the United States.
Speaking of his new role as a father, Khalil shared the poignant experience of looking forward to the first private hug with his newborn son, who was born while he was detained. There too, he hopes to share a future where freedom and justice prevail over indiscriminate detention and where the right to protest is upheld. As he proceeds on the initial leg of his journey home, Khalil’s story serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of current immigration policies and the fight for fundamental rights.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/20/mahmoud-khalil-release-ice-detention
