Mahmoud Khalil credits Palestinian activism for reshaping US politics

What the report says

Mahmoud Khalil, a 31-year-old Columbia University graduate and prominent pro-Palestinian activist, returned to the university campus in New York to discuss his memoir, which describes his arrest and detention by US immigration authorities. Al Jazeera reported that this was his first visit back since his arrest on March 8, 2025, and that the event drew about 100 people.

Khalil told AFP that Palestinian campus activism has helped change how Americans view Palestinians and has pushed some younger political leaders to reconsider their positions on Israel. He described the campus movement as having broader effects on US politics, including support for more progressive candidates. The article cites figures such as Dr Abdul El-Sayed and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as examples of this trend.

Khalil was a leading voice in Columbia’s 2024 protests, which became central to nationwide campus demonstrations over the war in Gaza. He was later held by immigration officials for three months without criminal charge and released on June 20, 2025, while the Trump administration continued to pursue deportation. He has also criticized Columbia’s response to the protests, including its decision to allow police action on campus.

The university said it supports debate and faculty-organized events, and that hosting a speaker does not mean endorsement. The story highlights how Khalil’s case remains tied to wider disputes over free speech, campus protest and US immigration enforcement.