Archive · 23 May 2025
Detained Pro-Palestinian Activist Holds Son After Judge's Order
Mahmoud Khalil, who is in ICE detention, got to hold his one-month-old son for the first time after a judge's decision.
The government didn't want him to have the visit.
His wife, Noor Abdalla, traveled almost 1,500 miles to see him.
The government said it was unsafe and a special privilege, but the judge disagreed.
Khalil was arrested due to his protests.
Mahmoud Khalil, detained since March, held his one-month-old son for the first time.
A US federal judge overruled the Trump administration's efforts to separate Khalil and his son.
Judge Michael Farbiarz allowed a 'contact visit' for Khalil, his wife, and their son.
Khalil was the first arrested under Trump's crackdown on pro-Palestinian protesters.
ICE previously declined Khalil's request to attend his child's birth.
- Who
- Mahmoud Khalil, his wife Noor Abdalla, and their son Deen, with the involvement of ICE and the US government.
- What
- Khalil held his son for the first time.
- When
- Khalil held his son on Thursday, after being detained since March.
- Where
- Jena, Louisiana detention center.
- Why
- Khalil was detained due to his activism, and the government opposed the contact visit, citing safety and privilege.
Khalil's Defense
US Government/ICE
Visitation Rights
Khalil's Defense
Khalil's attorneys viewed ICE's refusal as retaliatory and Abdalla and the baby were no security risk.
US Government/ICE
US Department of Justice argued that granting a family visit would be a special privilege and unsafe.
- Detainee
- Mahmoud Khalil
- Detaining Agency
- ICE
- Detention Location
- Louisiana
- Wife's Name
- Noor Abdalla
- Infant's Name
- Deen
- Detention Start Date
- March 8
- Judge
- Michael Farbiarz
