Mahmoud Khalil, a recent Columbia graduate, was detained by the Department of Homeland Security without being charged with a crime nearly one week ago. Amy Belsher of NYCLU described claims about Khalil’s deportation as “extremely misleading” and emphasized the need for proof of deportability in immigration court.
In a video of Khalil’s arrest released by his lawyer, the arresting agents refuse to identify themselves when asked by Khalil’s wife, saying “we don’t give our names.” Khalil is currently in the U.S. legally and has no history of criminality.
Khalil is currently held at LaSalle Detention Facility in Louisiana and is expected to remain there until at least March 17th.