Mahmoud Khalil Biography: Wiki, Age, Life, Education, & Activism

Mariam SulaimonApril 14, 2025

0 16 minutes read

What is the story behind Mahmoud Khalil’s legal battle and activism? Discover his journey in this Mahmoud Khalil Biography.

Mahmoud Khalil is a prominent Palestinian activist, Columbia University student, and outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights and human rights more broadly. His name has become closely associated with the pro-Palestinian protests that have drawn national attention in the United States, particularly during the academic year of 2024–2025.

Amid escalating tensions on campuses nationwide, Khalil’s activism, arrest, and subsequent media spotlight have placed him at the center of a heated debate involving free speech, antisemitism, and U.S. policy in the Middle East.

This comprehensive Mahmoud Khalil biography explores his background, education, role in student activism, and the broader sociopolitical implications of his work.

Mahmoud Khalil Biography

Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent Palestinian activist and Columbia University student, became a central figure in the pro-Palestinian protests and campus occupations that took place at Columbia University in New York in 2024.

Serving as the lead negotiator during the Columbia University apartheid divest encampment, activist Mahmoud Khalil drew national attention for his vocal support of Palestinian rights and advocacy against the Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip.

On March 8, 2025, Khalil was forcibly taken from his New York City apartment by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. This incident, reported by major outlets like the Associated Press and NBC News, marked a turning point in how the U.S. government, under the Trump administration, responds to Palestinian student activism.

ICE officers stated that the State Department, now led by Secretary Marco Rubio, had ordered the revocation of Khalil’s student visa. When it was revealed that Mr. Khalil held lawful permanent resident status rather than a visa, agents claimed that this status would be revoked instead.

Khalil was swiftly transported to the LaSalle Detention Center in Jena, Louisiana, igniting a wave of criticism and concern from civil rights groups, legal scholars, and activists nationwide. His arrest is believed to be the first publicly known deportation effort directly targeting a Palestinian activist connected to the 2024-2025 campus movement under President Donald Trump.

Numerous organizations have labeled the arrest an attack on free speech and a violation of the First Amendment. His lawyer, Ramzi Kassem, condemned the move, calling it politically motivated retaliation against peaceful student protesters.

There have been no criminal charges filed against Dr. Khalil, and his personal information has become a focal point in debates surrounding immigration enforcement and freedom of expression. Instead of criminal allegations, the U.S. government is invoking a Cold War–era clause from the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, which allows for the deportation of non-citizens if the Secretary of State determines that their presence could result in serious foreign policy consequences for the U.S.

This controversial statute, often criticized as a relic of McCarthyism, has drawn comparisons to past abuses of civil liberties. Critics—including the New York Times, The New Yorker, and human rights organizations—have voiced alarm over the broad and subjective powers it grants the executive branch.

They argue that Khalil’s arrest is a chilling example of state retaliation against constitutionally protected political expression, especially given the growing wave of pro-Palestinian activism across U.S. campuses.

Early Life and Background

Mahmoud Khalil, a dedicated Palestinian activist, was a graduate student at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) during the pivotal 2024 Columbia University protests calling for the institution to divest from apartheid.

Known for his role as a lead negotiator in the pro-Palestinian protest encampment, Khalil emerged as a central figure in the student-led movement advocating for Palestinian rights and an end to U.S. support for the Israeli military occupation of the Gaza Strip.

Born in 1995 in a refugee enclave in Damascus, Syria, Mahmoud Khalil comes from a family with deep historical ties to Palestine. His grandparents were originally from Tiberias, a city they were forced to flee during the 1948 Nakba, the mass displacement of Palestinians during the founding of the state of Israel.

As a result of ongoing regional instability and generational statelessness, Khalil identifies as a Palestinian refugee and has often described himself as a “double refugee”—a term reflecting both his Palestinian identity in Syria and his displacement to Lebanon due to the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2012.

Though originally stateless, Mr. Khalil later acquired Algerian citizenship through his mother’s side. His maternal family descends from Algerian revolutionaries who were displaced during French colonial rule and settled in territories of the Ottoman Empire. His journey reflects a complex web of Middle Eastern displacement, conflict, and survival.

While living in Beirut, activist Mahmoud Khalil began his advocacy work by volunteering with Syrian refugees. He was deeply involved with Junsoor, a Syrian-American educational nonprofit, where he taught English and provided community support.

His efforts caught the attention of journalist Lauren Bohn, who described Khalil as a passionate humanitarian with remarkable language skills. According to Bohn, Khalil taught himself English while serving others—a testament to his resilience and dedication.

Khalil pursued formal education by earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the Lebanese American University in Beirut. During this time, he also worked for the British government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), managing the Chevening Scholarship program at the British Embassy in Lebanon.

His fluency in Arabic, English, and French, along with his local knowledge of Middle Eastern affairs, made him an invaluable asset to diplomats and international development efforts.

In 2022, Dr. Khalil immigrated to the United States on a student visa to attend Columbia University in New York, where he pursued a master’s degree in international affairs. His academic interests focused on human rights, Middle East politics, and the intersection of foreign policy and refugee issues. While at Columbia, he also interned with UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, which supports millions of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East.

In 2023, Khalil married Noor Abdalla, a U.S. citizen and a professional dentist. The two had maintained a seven-year long-distance relationship after initially meeting in 2016 during a volunteer program in Lebanon that Khalil was overseeing.

Their love story culminated in New York, where they built a home together and were expecting their first child in April 2025. Khalil’s personal information and family background came under scrutiny following his arrest, raising ethical concerns about the use of associated personal information in immigration enforcement.

In 2024, Khalil was granted a U.S. green card, transitioning from a student visa holder to a lawful permanent resident. He completed his coursework at Columbia SIPA in December 2024 and was scheduled to officially graduate in May 2025.

Throughout his academic and professional journey, Khalil remained a vocal pro-Palestinian activist, advocating for justice, free speech, and an end to systemic oppression. His work within the university, coupled with his deep ties to regional politics, positioned him as both a scholar and a leader. His commitment to peaceful resistance, education, and community empowerment was widely acknowledged by peers and professors alike.

Supporters often describe Mahmoud Khalil as embodying the spirit of resistance that defined historical Palestinian and Arab figures.

Some have even drawn symbolic comparisons between Khalil’s principled stance and that of the legendary Egyptian Qur’an reciter Mahmoud Khalil al-Hussary, emphasizing both men’s devotion to truth—one through Qur’an recitation, the other through political advocacy and public service.

Education and Arrival at Columbia University

After earning his bachelor’s degree in computer science from the Lebanese American University in Beirut, Mr. Khalil worked extensively in the diplomatic and nonprofit sectors. His multilingual skills and firsthand experience with conflict zones made him an invaluable asset to international agencies.

Notably, he managed the Chevening Scholarship on behalf of the British government and provided strategic language and cultural support to diplomats based in Lebanon. These experiences helped him develop a nuanced understanding of global affairs and international development.

In 2022, Khalil took the next step in his academic journey by relocating to New York to pursue a master’s degree at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). As a Columbia student, he quickly became known for his scholarly excellence and deep engagement with issues surrounding the Gaza Strip, human rights, and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

Dr. Khalil’s coursework at SIPA included topics such as public affairs, conflict resolution, and international diplomacy—fields where his lived experience offered unique insight. He was particularly interested in the impact of Western foreign policy on stateless populations and the legal frameworks surrounding Palestinian refugees. As a vocal advocate, Khalil often spoke about the limitations imposed on free speech when discussing Palestinian activism in Western academic spaces.

Khalil completed his master’s degree requirements in December 2024, with his official graduation ceremony scheduled for May 2025. During his time at Columbia, he also completed an internship with UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, where he focused on educational access and community development for Palestinian youth.

Role in Columbia University Protests

Khalil’s public profile rose significantly in 2024 as a lead organizer of the Columbia University Apartheid Divest campaign, which called on the university to divest from corporations profiting from Israeli military operations and settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The protests reached a climax in late 2024 when students staged a sit-in at Hamilton Hall, a historic campus building. Khalil and other student protesters demanded a university-led reassessment of its investment portfolio, highlighting links to weapons manufacturers and surveillance companies allegedly complicit in the oppression of Palestinians.

Khalil’s leadership in these protests earned him praise from pro-Palestinian activists and condemnation from opponents who labeled the movement as veering into antisemitism. He, however, consistently affirmed the movement’s foundation in human rights, free speech, and peaceful protest.

Mahmoud Khalil Biography

Arrest

The arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate student, sent shockwaves through academic, legal, and civil rights communities. On the evening of March 8, 2025, at approximately 8:30 p.m., multiple U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detained Khalil in the lobby of his New York City apartment building, located within Columbia University housing.

This marked the beginning of what many have since described as a politically motivated targeting of a Palestinian student exercising his right to free speech.

Khalil and his wife, Noor Abdalla, were returning from an Iftar dinner when they were intercepted by an ICE officer who followed them into the building. The officer asked Khalil to verify his identity, which he did without hesitation. However, when the officer instructed Khalil to hand his apartment keys to his wife so she could go upstairs, Abdalla refused to leave his side. In response, the officer reportedly threatened, “I will arrest you, too.”

Abdalla quickly retrieved Khalil’s immigration paperwork—which confirmed his status as a lawful U.S. permanent resident—and handed it to the ICE agent. Despite this, she overheard an agent say over the phone, “This guy has a green card,” to which the reply was, “Bring him anyway.” This disturbing sequence of events would soon spark widespread public outrage, particularly from those defending human rights, Palestinian rights, and the sanctity of due process under U.S. law.

Before being taken away, Mr. Khalil contacted his lawyer, Amy Greer, from the building’s lobby. Greer spoke with one of the ICE agents, who stated that the arrest was being carried out on orders from the State Department, which sought to revoke Khalil’s student visa.

Greer immediately clarified that Khalil no longer held a student visa and was, in fact, a green card holder. Nevertheless, the agent responded that the Trump administration was now revoking his permanent residency status instead. Greer demanded to see a warrant, at which point the agent allegedly hung up the phone.

Abdalla later confirmed that the ICE agents never showed a warrant during the arrest. Within minutes, Mahmoud was handcuffed, taken to the street, and placed into an unmarked vehicle. In a video captured during the incident, agents could be heard refusing to identify themselves, ignoring Abdalla’s repeated requests to speak with their legal counsel, and dismissing her pleas for transparency.

A spokesperson from Columbia University stated that law enforcement must produce a warrant to access university property, but declined to answer whether a warrant had actually been presented for Khalil’s arrest. The university also declined to comment further on the politically charged incident, drawing criticism from Columbia students, Barnard College affiliates, and supporters of Palestinian activism nationwide.

By the following day, March 9, Khalil’s whereabouts remained unknown to his legal team and his wife. Abdalla, who initially believed he was being held in a detention center in New Jersey, was told that he was not there. His legal counsel eventually confirmed that Khalil had been transferred to the LaSalle Detention Center in Jena, Louisiana—a remote location known for housing ICE detainees in controversial conditions.

In a court filing, Khalil’s lawyer stated that Khalil felt as though he was being “kidnapped”, and emphasized that no criminal charges had been filed against him. His detention was based solely on a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, which grants the Secretary of State broad power to remove non-citizens if their presence is deemed harmful to U.S. foreign policy. This Cold War-era law has been criticized for enabling politically motivated deportations and undermining basic civil liberties.

While detained, Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil continued to speak out. Over the phone, he dictated an open letter describing himself as a political prisoner and warning that his case was part of a broader crackdown by the Trump admin on dissent and pro-Palestinian protests.

He accused the government of attempting to silence criticism of U.S. and Israeli policies, particularly those expressed by student protesters, Palestinian refugees, and activists advocating for Palestinian rights.

The backlash to Khalil’s arrest was swift and widespread. Civil liberties organizations, members of the Democratic Party, and human rights groups condemned the move as an attack on the First Amendment and a violation of free speech protections.

Amy Greer, Khalil’s attorney, stated that the arrest represented a dangerous precedent for political repression under the guise of immigration enforcement. The Associated Press, NBC News, and The New York Times were among the outlets to cover the case, sparking national dialogue about the line between security policy and ideological suppression.

Critics also pointed to the Trump administration’s rhetoric, in which officials threatened to deport students perceived to be supporting Hamas or participating in pro-Palestinian protests.

Though there is no evidence tying Khalil to any violent group, his vocal support for Palestinian human rights and criticism of Israeli government actions were apparently enough to put him in the crosshairs of the State Department’s foreign policy apparatus.

The administration’s framing of such activism as antisemitism has also been challenged by several legal experts, Palestinian rights advocates, and fellow Columbia University protesters.

As the case progressed, Dr. Khalil’s legal team filed emergency motions to stay his deportation. A federal district court eventually issued a temporary stay, allowing time to review the constitutionality of his detention and the legality of revoking his permanent resident status without due process.

Public protests and vigils were held in New York, at Columbia, and in other cities, calling for Khalil’s immediate release and the protection of free speech and academic freedom on college campuses.

Legal Proceedings and Harassment

Legal Proceedings

On March 10, 2025, U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman granted a writ of habeas corpus in favor of Mahmoud Khalil, halting his deportation while the courts reviewed his case. Despite not being charged with any crime, Khalil faced removal proceedings under Section 237(a)(4)(C)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952.

This rarely used statute permits the deportation of legal residents whose presence is deemed to pose “potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences.” His attorneys have criticized the use of this clause as obscure and unprecedented in such contexts.

Khalil’s legal team, led by Amy Greer along with attorneys from the ACLU, CLEAR at CUNY School of Law, and the Center for Constitutional Rights, filed an initial habeas petition on March 9. The next day, Judge Furman barred Khalil’s removal and ordered that he be granted private calls with his lawyers, as he had not yet had confidential communication since his detention.

On March 13, the petition was amended to include public officials such as Donald Trump and Marco Rubio as respondents. Judge Furman transferred the case to New Jersey, where Khalil was initially held, and it was reassigned to Judge Michael E. Farbiarz, who maintained the stay on his removal.

Separately, Khalil faced immigration court proceedings in Louisiana. The government alleged that Khalil withheld material facts in his green card application, including his internship with UNRWA, post-2022 work with the British embassy in Beirut, and ties to Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD). At an April 8 hearing, Judge Jamee E. Comans warned that Khalil might be released unless the government produced concrete evidence of his deportability within 24 hours.

Instead of substantive proof, the government submitted a two-page memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio claiming Khalil’s presence in the U.S. undermined policies against antisemitism. The memo did not accuse Khalil of any unlawful activity but cited his “beliefs, statements, or associations” as grounds for removal.

On April 11, Judge Comans ruled that Khalil was deportable under Rubio’s foreign policy determination and gave his attorneys until April 23 to submit applications to halt deportation to either Syria or Algeria.

Government officials, including ICE’s Tom Homan and DHS deputy secretary Troy Edgar, have informally referred to Khalil as a national security threat, with allegations tying him to Hamas activities—claims that Khalil and his attorneys strongly deny.

No public evidence has been provided to substantiate these accusations. A statement by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt alleging Khalil distributed flyers with Hamas logos has not been corroborated with physical proof. His lawyers have rejected these claims as false and defamatory.

Harassment and Online Campaign

Khalil has been the target of a coordinated harassment campaign both online and offline. Far-right Jewish group Betar US tweeted in January 2025 that it had alerted ICE about Khalil’s whereabouts. The controversial website Canary Mission also compiled a dossier on him. Khalil attributed much of the campaign to Columbia affiliates Shai Davidai and David Lederer, who publicly labeled him a “security threat” and lobbied for his deportation.

On March 7, Khalil emailed Columbia University President Katrina Armstrong seeking protection and legal support for himself and other international students under threat. He expressed concern for his safety, citing false accusations and threats following a protest at Barnard College earlier that month. According to his wife, the week leading up to Khalil’s arrest was marked by an “intense” campaign of misinformation and online hostility.

Zeteo reported that Khalil was falsely accused of making inflammatory remarks about Zionists—statements he categorically denied and which were later linked to a different student who was expelled. Activist Ross Glick also met with aides to Senators John Fetterman and Ted Cruz, both of whom reportedly agreed to escalate the case against Khalil.

Trump Administration’s Role

Khalil’s legal ordeal unfolded during a broader federal crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism on U.S. campuses. After returning to office, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14188 on January 29, 2025. The order authorized the deportation of student visa holders involved in anti-Israel protests following the October 7 attacks. At a campaign rally in 2023, Trump vowed to expel foreign students engaged in what he called “radical, anti-American, and antisemitic” activities.

On March 6, 2025, a day before Khalil’s arrest, the Trump administration canceled over $400 million in federal funding to Columbia University, accusing it of failing to protect Jewish students from harassment. Columbia issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to combat antisemitism while safeguarding the rights and safety of its student body. Shortly after, the administration warned 60 additional universities of potential penalties for Title VI violations related to alleged antisemitic incidents.

In a March 4 social media post, Trump promised to withhold federal funds from any school allowing “illegal protests” and announced that foreign nationals engaged in such activities would be deported. The State Department also introduced a “catch and revoke” policy that uses AI to monitor student visa holders’ social media and protest involvement, raising alarm over surveillance and free speech concerns.

Public and Media Reaction

Prominent outlets such as the New Yorker, NBC News, and the Associated Press provided extensive coverage of the protests and Khalil’s legal battles. The media narrative oscillated between portraying him as a courageous Palestinian activist and a divisive figure amid rising campus tensions over the Israel-Palestine conflict.

One university official, Amy Greer, from the department of Public Affairs, defended the university’s handling of the protests, citing the need to maintain order and safety. However, Khalil’s supporters viewed these justifications as dismissive of legitimate student grievances.

Online, Khalil’s name was circulated on forums and news sites, often in conjunction with debates on whether universities should be allowed to share personal information of students involved in political activity. Khalil himself voiced concerns about his associated personal information being made public, calling it a violation of privacy and a form of intimidation.

Religious and Cultural Influences

Though best known for his activism, Mahmoud Khalil is also a devout Muslim and an admirer of Islamic scholarship. He has expressed deep reverence for Quranic teachings and is a follower of renowned Egyptian reciter Mahmoud Khalil Al Hussary, whose Quran recitation style he often references as spiritually grounding.

Khalil has occasionally led community recitations of the Holy Quran at student gatherings, using spiritual engagement as a means to foster solidarity, resilience, and clarity of purpose among his peers.

Intersection with U.S. Politics and the Trump Administration

Khalil’s activism has frequently intersected with critiques of U.S. foreign policy, especially during the Trump administration. He openly criticized the administration’s support for Israeli settlement expansion and its rollback of U.S. humanitarian aid to Palestinians.

Mentions of Khalil in the press often appeared alongside keywords like Trump admin, Jewish student, and antisemitism, highlighting the highly polarized discourse surrounding his cause. While Khalil repeatedly emphasized his opposition to any form of discrimination, critics accused some protest slogans of being inflammatory.

Community Impact and Legacy

Khalil’s influence on campus has extended beyond just protests. As a Palestinian student, he has mentored others from the Gaza Strip, advocated for increased support services, and organized cross-campus coalitions with other activists working on immigration, racial justice, and economic equity.

His name is now synonymous with the ongoing debate on Palestinian rights in American academic spaces. Whether seen as a hero or a controversial figure, there’s no denying that Mahmoud Khalil has become a powerful voice in the struggle for justice and equality.

In interviews, Khalil has shared the emotional toll of being in the spotlight and the sacrifices he has made, including the risk to his visa status, future employment, and personal safety. He noted the burden of being expected to speak for an entire movement and said he longs for a day when Palestinians can tell their stories without fear or filter.

Personal Information and Privacy Concerns

Amid intense media attention, Khalil expressed concerns about the publication of his personal information. Some outlets allegedly sought to share personal information about his family, religious background, and refugee status, which his legal team condemned as unethical.

Khalil emphasized the right of all Palestinian students and activists to organize without fear of reprisal or surveillance. His team has called on universities and news organizations to uphold ethical standards in handling associated personal information.

Conclusion on Mahmoud Khalil Biography

Mahmoud Khalil’s biography is emblematic of the challenges and courage embodied by modern Palestinian activists operating in the diaspora. His journey—from a Palestinian refugee in the Gaza Strip to a leading figure in Columbia University protests—represents the powerful intersection of personal conviction, academic excellence, and political resistance.

Whether admired or criticized, Dr. Khalil (as he is sometimes referred to by students and colleagues) has left an indelible mark on campus activism and international solidarity movements. As debates around free speech, human rights, and Palestinian rights continue, the story of Mr. Khalil is likely to be referenced for years to come.

Mariam SulaimonApril 14, 2025

0 16 minutes read