Video Contradicts Claims on Palestinian Activist’s Flight Risk Before Arrest

NEW YORK, NY — A new video has surfaced, showing the moments leading up to the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate, who is currently detained at an ICE center in Jena.

The footage, recorded in March at Khalil’s apartment complex, disputes the government’s assertion that he was a flight risk, which they cited as justification for his arrest without a warrant. Khalil’s legal team argues that the video does not indicate any intent to flee.

ICE agents claimed that Khalil had stated he would not cooperate and intended to leave the scene prior to his arrest. However, the footage, which lacks audio, does not show him making any apparent attempts to flee, according to his attorneys.

This incident has added to the ongoing legal discourse surrounding Khalil’s detention, which has raised questions about the legality of detaining noncitizens based on political speech. A federal judge has been urged to consider Khalil’s release pending resolution of his case.

His detention is part of a broader government effort that has attracted criticism for targeting international students over their expressions of dissent regarding U.S. foreign policy. Alongside Khalil, several others, including scholars and students, have been released from detention following rulings by federal judges questioning the government’s authority to deport individuals due to their political views.

The legal teams involved in these cases see the releases as encouraging signs. They maintain that every day Khalil remains in detention contributes to a climate of fear among international students. Brian Hauss, an attorney with the ACLU, emphasized the constitutional protections that should apply to noncitizens.

“These decisions reflect a simple truth – the constitution forbids the government from locking up anyone, including noncitizens, just because it doesn’t like what they have to say,” he stated. “We will not rest until Mahmoud Khalil is free, along with everyone else in detention for their political beliefs.”

The situation remains fluid, as Khalil’s legal team continues to advocate for his release, emphasizing both the rights of individuals and the implications for free speech on college campuses.

The public and legal outcome of Khalil’s case may set significant precedents for detentions related to political dissent in the U.S.