Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil has said the Trump administration failed to suppress pro-Palestinian voices, following his release from more than three months in immigration detention. "My existence is a message" to the Trump administration, he told the BBC after returning to New Jersey from a detention centre in Louisiana. "All these attempts to suppress Pro-Palestinian voices have failed now." Mr Khalil was a prominent voice in the New York university's pro-Palestinian protests last year, and his 8 March arrest sparked demonstrations in New York and Washington DC. The US government wants to deport him, arguing his activism is detrimental to foreign policy interests. Speaking at the airport in Newark, New Jersey, on Saturday, Mr Khalil vowed to continue to advocate for Palestinian rights, and for the rights of the immigrants "who are left behind in that facility" where he was jailed in Louisiana. He accused the White House of attempting to "dehumanise anyone who does not agree with the administration". He held flowers given to him by supporters, and shouted "free Palestine" as he ended his remarks. He was pushing a pram carrying his baby son, who was born while he was in prison, as he departed the news conference with his wife. Mr Khalil was joined by New York Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who said his release showed that the Trump administration was losing the legal battle to deport migrants in the US who advocate for Palestinians. "The Trump administration knows that they are waging a losing legal battle," she said. "They are violating the law, and they know they are violating the law. And they are trying to use these one-off examples to intimidate everyone else." Mr Khalil's remarks come a day after a judge ordered him released from jail after determining he was not a flight risk or threat to his community while his immigration proceedings continued. The Trump administration has vowed to appeal against his release, as it continues its efforts to remove him from the US.
Freed Columbia activist vows to continue to support Palestinian rights
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Columbia Activist Mahmoud Khalil Promises to Continue Advocacy for Palestinian Rights After Release"
Bbc News
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University activist recently released from over three months of immigration detention, expressed his determination to continue advocating for Palestinian rights and immigrant issues. Upon his return to New Jersey, Khalil stated that the Trump administration's efforts to suppress pro-Palestinian voices have ultimately failed. His activism, which gained prominence during pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, led to his arrest on March 8, triggering demonstrations in both New York and Washington, D.C. The U.S. government's stance is that Khalil's activism poses a threat to foreign policy interests, and they are seeking to deport him. However, Khalil remains resolute, emphasizing that his very existence serves as a message to the administration and pledging to fight for the rights of both Palestinians and immigrants who face similar challenges.
During a press conference at Newark Airport, Khalil, who was joined by supporters including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, criticized the White House for attempting to dehumanize dissenting voices. He passionately declared, "free Palestine" while holding flowers from supporters and pushing a stroller with his baby son, who was born during his detention. Ocasio-Cortez highlighted that Khalil's release signifies a legal victory against the Trump administration's deportation efforts, suggesting that the government is aware of its legal shortcomings. A judge had ordered Khalil's release, determining he posed no flight risk or threat to the community while his immigration case progresses. Despite this, the Trump administration has indicated plans to appeal the decision, continuing their campaign to remove him from the United States. Khalil's situation reflects broader tensions surrounding immigration policy and the rights of activists in the U.S., especially those advocating for marginalized communities.
TruthLens AI Analysis
You need to be a member to generate the AI analysis for this article.
Log In to Generate AnalysisNot a member yet? Register for free.