Pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil returned to Columbia University after spending 104 days in ICE detention, missing significant personal milestones. At a news conference, he expressed gratitude for supporters and condemned the university for punitive actions towards protesting students. A federal judge deemed Khalil's detention unusual, criticizing the government's motives as retaliatory against his anti-Israel views. Khalil emphasized the importance of student activism in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, igniting conversations about immigration policies and freedom of expression on campus.
"Well, well, here I am. Here I am with you. I'm grateful to be standing freely next to you all. I'm grateful to my wife, Noor, whose support, love and tears have kept me upright. I'm grateful to every single person who stood by me during this time."
"I would like to salute the courage of all the students at Columbia and across the nation. These students who continue to protest, I want to honor my friends, especially at Columbia University, especially those who are currently battling expulsion and suspension."
Judge Farbiarz noted that Khalil's detention was 'highly unusual' and criticized the federal government for using immigration charges to punish him for his anti-Israel speech.
In response to the tensions over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and growing pro-Palestinian activism, Khalil's case has sparked discussions about free speech and immigration policies on campuses.
#pro-palestinian-activism #columbia-university #immigration-detention #free-speech #humanitarian-crisis
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