Immigrant father denied by ICE attendance at son's birth
- Noor Abdalla gave birth to their son without her husband due to ICE's denial of his temporary release.
- Khalil has been detained since March 2025, facing deportation based on claims by immigration officials.
- The couple's situation raises concerns over the treatment of activists and their families.
In New York, the wife of Mahmoud Khalil, a detained graduate student at Columbia University, gave birth to their first child on Monday, April 20, 2025. Noor Abdalla accused federal immigration authorities of intentionally denying her husband a request for temporary release from a Louisiana detention center to attend the delivery. She stated that this decision was meant to inflict suffering on their family amidst Khalil's ongoing detention. Abdalla expressed that the absence of her husband during such a crucial moment was a deliberate act to silence Khalil's activism in support of Palestinian rights. Khalil, a legal permanent U.S. resident, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in March 2025. Following his arrest, an immigration judge ruled that he was deportable, asserting that his continued presence in the U.S. posed potential foreign policy risks. Abdalla highlighted the emotional turmoil caused by Khalil's detention, indicating that his role as a father was being unjustly compromised. The couple had expected their child would be born a week later, thus complicating their ability to request Khalil's release at that time. On April 11, 2025, a judge in Louisiana ruled against Khalil's case, allowing for his deportation based on a request from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Khalil’s legal representation has stated they would appeal this ruling, emphasizing the family's urgency and need for support. Abdalla condemned the actions of ICE and pointed to the broader context of governmental pressure on activists speaking out for Palestinian freedom. Her statement reflects the impact of political decisions on personal lives, as Khalil’s detention is closely tied to his vocal activism against foreign practices. As the couple navigates the challenges created by Khalil's detention, this situation highlights the intersection of immigration policy, activism, and family rights. Abdalla's public engagement and statements serve not just to advocate for her husband but also to bring to light broader issues concerning the treatment of activists in the United States. Their uncertain future as a family remains tied to the outcome of Khalil's appeal and the overarching climate affecting immigration and civil rights at this moment.