Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian-born Columbia student, met his newborn son for the first time inside a detention facility.
Mahmoud Khalil, a well-known student voice from Columbia University and a supporter of Palestinian rights, had an emotional first meeting with his one-month-old son, Deen, on Thursday. The reunion happened inside the immigration detention center in Jena, Louisiana, ahead of a court session that would determine the direction of his deportation case.
Judge Holds Off on Deportation Decision
The day’s hearing, presided over by Judge Jamee Comans, ended without a final decision on whether the U.S. government can push ahead with removing Khalil from the country. Instead, the judge said a ruling would be delivered later, leaving Khalil’s fate hanging.
Court-Ordered Visit with Wife and Baby
Before the court began, Khalil met privately with his wife, Dr. Noor Abdalla, and baby Deen, thanks to a Wednesday court ruling that granted him the right to see his family. According to his lawyer Amy Greer, Khalil was able to hold and speak with both his wife and child. Details of the meeting were kept private out of respect for the family.
Political Tension Behind Arrest
Khalil’s arrest has drawn national attention due to his role in anti-war demonstrations at Columbia and criticism of Israeli military actions in Gaza. The Trump administration claims his presence in the U.S. could hurt foreign policy, while Khalil says he’s being unfairly targeted for exercising free speech.
Arrest Tied to Rare Immigration Clause
His March 8 arrest came after the U.S. State Department used a little-known immigration rule to cancel his green card. The law allows the Secretary of State to call for the deportation of any non-citizen deemed a threat to American foreign interests.
Legal Battle Continues Despite Deportation Push
Khalil, who was born in a Syrian refugee camp and arrived in the U.S. as a student in 2022, became a permanent resident last year through his American wife. While Thursday’s hearing could push him closer to deportation, a separate federal court has already halted any removal actions as it reviews whether his arrest violated constitutional rights. This ruling remains in place until a full judgment is reached.
