NEW YORK — Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student, felt like he was kidnapped when U.S. agents took him from New York to Louisiana last weekend. His lawyers are trying to get him released. Khalil, a Palestinian activist, described being treated poorly during the journey; he didn’t even have a pillow or blanket to sleep on when he arrived at a detention center. This happened after he spoke out against Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
His lawyers filed a lawsuit, saying Khalil felt like he was being kidnapped throughout the process. A judge allowed them to speak with him, and his lawyers shared details about what happened since he was arrested. They claim he asked for a lawyer but did not get help when he was taken by agents from the Department of Homeland Security.
President Donald Trump praised Khalil’s arrest, saying it was the first of many similar actions against students he believes support terrorism. Khalil’s lawyers are also suing Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, claiming they were wrong to detain him. Government lawyers want to move the case to a different court, arguing it must happen where Khalil has been held.
Khalil was arrested after dinner with his wife and taken to a detention center in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where he waited in a cold room without a blanket. He was then transported by van, handcuffed, and shackled, with messages sent to agents that he shouldn’t use his phone. He was flown to Louisiana on an American Airlines flight. Now, he worries about his pregnant wife and missing the birth of their first child.
Khalil was supposed to start a new job and receive health benefits to help with the baby’s costs. He wants to continue speaking out for Palestinian rights and was even going to speak at a documentary premiere in Copenhagen, Denmark. During the hearing, Khalil’s lawyers said they couldn’t talk to him until 10 days after his arrest, but the judge allowed them a conversation.
This whole situation has drawn a lot of attention because it raises questions about free speech and the treatment of students who speak out on political issues.
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