Mahmoud Khalil Denied Temporary Release for Wife’s Delivery
Mahmoud Khalil was denied temporary release from ICE detention to attend his son's birth, sparking criticism from his family and legal team
Mahmoud Khalil, a Pro-Palestinian activist and former Columbia University student, was denied permission by U.S. immigration authorities to leave detention and attend the birth of his first child. Khalil is currently being held in an immigration detention facility in Louisiana and is facing possible deportation.
His legal team had filed a request for a two-week release on Sunday after Khalil’s wife, Noor Abdalla, unexpectedly went into labor eight days early. They offered multiple conditions, including ankle monitoring and routine check-ins, but the request was rejected by the regional Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office.
Family says ICE decision caused emotional harm
Abdalla gave birth to their son on Monday in New York without her husband present. In a public statement, she described ICE’s decision as deliberate and damaging. “My son and I should not be navigating his first days on earth without Mahmoud,” she said. “ICE and the Trump administration have stolen these precious moments from our family in an attempt to silence Mahmoud’s support for Palestinian freedom.”
Khalil’s deportation ruling under appeal
Khalil, who was active in pro-Palestine campus demonstrations, was arrested last month. An immigration judge in Louisiana ruled that U.S. authorities may proceed with deportation, citing national security concerns. The judge said Khalil’s presence could carry "potentially serious foreign policy consequences."
Khalil’s legal team says they plan to challenge the ruling. The case has drawn attention from rights groups and activists who argue that the government is targeting Khalil for his political activism rather than any legal wrongdoing.