Protesters gather outside the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center to support a detained activist.
Demonstrators gathered outside the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center to advocate for the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student detained by ICE. Khalil’s situation, which relates to his pro-Palestinian activism, has raised concerns about civil liberties and the treatment of political activists in the U.S. The protest coincided with his immigration court hearing, highlighting the emotional urgency felt by supporters. Activists stress that Khalil’s case represents a larger movement for democracy and free speech.
Jena, Louisiana – Protesters gathered outside the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center on May 22, 2025, advocating for the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student currently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Khalil’s legal status is under scrutiny as he faces deportation related to his pro-Palestinian activism.
By early afternoon, hundreds of demonstrators had assembled at the facility, chanting slogans, waving Palestinian flags, and playing drums. The protest coincided with Khalil’s immigration court hearing to address his deportation proceedings, intensifying the urgency and emotion felt by supporters. Some participants engaged in acts of reverence, kneeling and praying on the street for Khalil’s release.
Khalil, who was born in Syria and is a legal permanent resident, has been in ICE detention since March 2025. His arrest is perceived as a manifestation of the broader crackdown by the Trump administration on political activism that relates to Israel and Palestine. Additionally, his situation raises important questions about the implications for the First Amendment rights of non-citizen students who participate in political discourse.
Activists voiced concerns about the significance of Khalil’s detention, framing their fight as not merely about one individual, but as a broader movement advocating for democracy and the rights of individuals to express dissenting opinions without fear of retaliation. At the protest, participants emphasized that the issue at hand is part of a national trend where political activists face scrutiny or legal consequences due to their beliefs and actions.
The assembling protesters included a group that traveled from New Orleans joined by others from Texas. They arrived prepared, with measures in place to minimize the risk of potential arrests. Organizers encouraged attendees to remove biometric authentication from their smartphones and advised them to write emergency contacts on their arms.
Khalil’s wife, Noor Abdalla, visited him during the protest, expressing gratitude to the demonstrators for their unwavering support. This visit was particularly significant as it marked the first occasion that Khalil met his newborn son, Deen. The emotional encounter underscored the familial impact of Khalil’s detention and the urgency of the protesters’ demands.
The detention of Khalil has heightened awareness among free speech and human rights activists regarding the treatment of individuals targeted for their political views in the United States. Activist groups have criticized ICE’s practices, pointing out the often inhumane conditions within detention facilities and the lengthy detention periods that detainees endure. Reports have surfaced detailing inadequate legal support available to those facing deportation, which complicates their ability to contest removal effectively.
Recent trends indicate an increasing number of activists being subjected to legal action as a result of their engagement in protests or public expression, particularly those sanctioned by U.S. foreign policy matters. Khalil’s legal team is pursuing all available legal avenues in an effort to challenge his detention and impending deportation. The protesters’ gathering serves as a testament to the growing concern among citizens about the implications of such actions on civil liberties and political engagement in the broader American landscape.
Khalil’s current detention and the surrounding protests reflect a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about political advocacy, immigration rights, and the protection of free speech within the United States. As the situation develops, it highlights the intersection of personal freedoms and governmental authority.
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