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Activist Khalil Files $20M Claim Against Trump
Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian-born activist and permanent U.S. resident, has submitted a formal claim seeking $20 million in damages from the U.S. government. He was held in an ICE detention centre in Louisiana for 104 days after his arrest from his Manhattan home on March 8 under a Cold War–era law.
Allegations Span Multiple Grievances
Khalil’s claim includes several accusations: false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, malicious defamation, denial of medical care, separation from his newborn son, and emotional distress due to the detention’s harsh conditions. He asserts that these actions were politically motivated, aimed at silencing his pro-Palestinian campus activism.
Legal Ruling Favours Khalil
A federal judge ruled that Khalil’s detention was likely unconstitutional and ordered his release on June 20. The court found that the government’s justification, based on foreign policy risk, was weak and lacked proper evidence. It also raised concerns over his rights to due process and lawful protection.
What He Demands
Beyond the $20 million damages, Khalil states he would accept a formal apology and policy reforms. He has pledged to share any compensation with others affected by similar government actions. This claim precedes a potential lawsuit under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
Government’s Rebuttal
The Department of Homeland Security has dismissed Khalil’s claim as “absurd,” accusing him of inflammatory conduct. The State Department maintains that the detention followed legal steps. No formal apology or settlement has been offered yet.
Broader Dialogue on Civil Rights
This development has sparked renewed debate in the U.S. over the use of immigration laws against political activists. Legal analysts see Khalil’s case as a test for administrative accountability and constitutional protection for free speech—even for permanent residents.
