Mahmoud Khalil Discusses His ICE Detention and Higher Education Challenges

Mahmoud Khalil, an activist from Columbia University, recently shared his experiences during his time in ICE detention and the challenges facing higher education in the U.S. He described the emotional turmoil of being taken away from his community and the impact of his absence on fellow activists.

Khalil's book, No Land to Stand On, details his detention, his childhood in Syria, and his role at Columbia. He emphasizes the importance of advocating for others and connects various social justice movements, including Palestinian liberation and immigrant rights. In a recent interview, he discussed the lack of support from Columbia's administration during his detention and criticized their complicity in creating an environment that led to his situation.

As he continues to fight against deportation, Khalil highlights the need for democratizing higher education institutions, arguing that they often prioritize profit over student safety and well-being. He believes that the current administration's attacks on higher education threaten democracy and free thought, urging a collective effort to protect these institutions.