Archive · 14 Jun 2025
Hollywood Dads Support Detained Activist Mahmoud Khalil for Father's Day
A group of famous dads, like Mark Ruffalo, are speaking up for Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist being held by the US government.
Khalil has been in detention since March and missed the birth of his son.
These celebrities read a letter Khalil wrote to his baby, talking about his life and hopes.
The government says Khalil didn't fully share his background when he got his green card.
Even though one judge initially said Khalil could be released, another ruling kept him in detention based on another charge.
Hollywood celebrities, including Mark Ruffalo, voiced support for detained Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil.
Khalil, a Columbia University graduate, has been detained since early March, missing his son's birth.
A video released by ACLU featured celebrity fathers reading Khalil's letter to his newborn son.
The letter discusses Khalil's experiences as a Palestinian refugee and his hopes for his son.
A federal judge has upheld Khalil's detention on a separate immigration violation.
- Who
- Hollywood celebrities, including Mark Ruffalo, ACLU, and Mahmoud Khalil.
- What
- Celebrities voiced support for Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist detained by the US government, and a federal judge ruled to uphold his detention.
- When
- The video was released on June 13. Khalil has been detained since early March.
- Where
- The detention is in the United States.
- Why
- To advocate for Khalil's release and highlight the emotional impact of his detention and to address a separate alleged immigration violation.
Supporters' Perspective
Detention Justification
Detention Justification
Supporters' Perspective
Khalil should be released because his detention is causing irreparable harm.
Detention Justification
Khalil should be detained based on an alleged immigration violation, as he failed to reveal relevant information.
- Detainee
- Mahmoud Khalil
- Profession
- Activist
- Detention Start Date
- Early March
- Alleged Violation
- Immigration violation (not revealing ties)
- Supporting Group
- ACLU
- Celebrities Involved
- Mark Ruffalo, Mo Amer, Arian Moayed, Dallas Goldtooth, others