Mahmoud Khalil files $20M claim against Trump admin for false imprisonment, malicious prosecution

Mahmoud Khalil, the former Columbia University student who was recently detained by ICE, has filed a $20 million claim against the Trump administration alleging false imprisonment, malicious prosecution and smearing him as an anti-semite.

Khalil was released from detention last month on a court order after being held for more than 100 days after helping to organize an anti-Israel protest at Columbia University in 2024. 

He is a green-card holder and lawful resident, but the administration has sought to deport him on the argument that his actions pose a threat to its foreign policy goal of combatting antisemitism.

Khalil claim is a precursor to a lawsuit under the Federal Tort Claims Act, against the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the State Department, according to the Associated Press.

“They are abusing their power because they think they are untouchable,” Khalil said. “Unless they feel there is some sort of accountability, it will continue to go unchecked.”

He also said he would also accept, instead of the settlement money, an official apology and changes to the administration’s deportation policies.

The claim accuses President Trump and other officials of mounting a haphazard and illegal campaign to “terrorize him and his family.”

The federal government is appealing Khalil's release. He is facing new allegations of misrepresenting personal details on his green card application. Khalil's attorneys on Wednesday filed a motion, describing those charges as baseless and retaliatory, and urging a judge to dismiss them.

The State Department told the wire service that its actions were fully supported by the law.