MAn alumnus and local supporter of Columbia University, Ahoda Khalil, went free on Friday after spending 104 days in the La Sale Detention Facility. Syrian -born permanent American resident was detained from 8 March after the immigration charges leveled by the Trump administration, which had relations with Hamas.At his release, Khalil expressed relief and disregard, promising to advocate Palestinian rights and criticize both the US government and his former University.
‘Incredible men lagged behind’
Talking to reporters outside the detention center, Khalil said, “I leave some incredible men behind me, more than 1,000 people behind me, in a place where they should not have been in the first place.”He hoped that the custody facility would one day be converted into a museum, it would be called a symbol of “America’s racist policies against immigrants”.
Family reunion and first plans
Khalil was refused to give a chance to see his son’s birth in April, but now he is ready to spend time with his wife and child. “Just hug my wife and son,” he said when he was asked what he had planned to do when he returned to New York.Khalil said, “I had only one time limit with my son, which the government put on us … It means that now I can really embrace him and Noor, my wife, without looking at the clock.”
The intentions behind custody for the purpose of judge questions
Former US President Joe Biden -appointed Federal Judge Michael Farbiarz ordered Khalil’s release after extending anxiety that the Trump administration may have detained him in vengeance to protest his campus.“There was at least something for the argument that an attempt was made to use the immigration fee here to punish Shri. Khalil, “Farbiyarz said.” And, of course, it would be unconstitutional. ,“He is not a threat to community, period, complete stop,” he said.
Administration support
The Homeland Security Department strongly criticized the judge’s decision. DHS spokesman Trisia McLaglin said, “A immigration judge, not a district judge, has the right to decide whether Mr. Khalil should be released or taken into custody.”“The same day an immigration judge denied the Khalil bond and removed it, an evil district judge ordered him to be released,” he said. “This is still another example of how the out-of-control members of the judicial branch are reducing national security.”McLaglin argued that the Trump administration worked within the legal limit, saying, “It is a privilege to provide a visa or green card … we hope to do so from a High Court.”
‘No one is illegal – no human being is illegal’
Khalil also criticized Columbia University, which he called the “genocide of Palestinian people”, and condemned the situation in the Jena facility.“The moment you enter this feature, your rights leave you behind,” he said. “There is just a different reality about this country that is believed to have human rights and freedom.”He dismissed the claims that he was a threat, saying, “No one is illegal – no human being is illegal. Justice does not matter what this administration can try.”
The case is not over
Although Khalil has been released on bail, the Trump administration is appealing for the decision and is demanding to deport it on the basis of additional allegations, including his residence application involvement and undeclared previous employment.Despite this, the worker remains optimistic. His wife, Dr. Noor Abdullah said, “This decision does not start addressing the injustice that the Trump administration has brought to our family … but today we are celebrating Mahmood to come back to New York.”
