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Detained Activist Mahmoud Khalil Holds Newborn Son for First Time Before Critical Hearing

A federal judge intervened to allow Khalil, a Columbia graduate and pro-Palestinian activist, to meet his son ahead of a pivotal immigration court decision on his deportation.

Image
People protesting in support of Palestinians hold a sign for Mahmoud Khalil (inset) across the street from the main gates of Columbia University, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in New York.
Student negotiator Mahmoud Khalil is seen at a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on the Columbia University campus in New York, April 29, 2024.
Mahmoud Khalil speaks to members of media about the Revolt for Rafah encampment at Columbia University during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in Gaza, in New York City, U.S., June 1, 2024. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon/File Photo

Overview

  • Mahmoud Khalil, detained since March, was permitted to hold his newborn son Thursday after a judge blocked ICE's refusal to allow a contact visit.
  • The meeting occurred hours before a key immigration hearing in Louisiana, which could determine Khalil's future in the United States.
  • Khalil's legal team has argued his detention and deportation proceedings violate his First Amendment rights and are politically motivated.
  • The Trump administration has sought to deport Khalil under a rarely used immigration law, citing his activism as a threat to U.S. foreign policy.
  • Nationwide protests and legal challenges continue as Khalil's case draws attention to family separation, free speech, and due process concerns.