After more than 100 days in ICE detention, Columbia University student and Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil returned to his home to the New York City area after a federal judge ordered his release. This is his homecoming speech, rally and press conference June 22nd, 2025. It was held on the steps of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Manhattan. Mahmoud was lead negotiator in pro-Palestinian protests and campus occupations during the Gaza war, was taken from his Columbia residential apartment building in New York City by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on March 8, 2025. The agents did not have a warrant and were acting on orders from the State Department to revoke Khalil's student visa. When the agents were realized that Khalil is a lawful permanent resident, they said this status would be revoked instead. He was transported to LaSalle Detention Center in Jena, Louisiana, where he was held until June 20. The cathedral steps were packed with members of Khalil’s legal team, his wife, Dr. Noor Abdalla, 28, and his infant son, Deen, who was born while he was in ICE custody. After the rally, the group marched to the campus of Columbia University.
