AJP Action Applauds The Ruling Requiring The Release of Mahmoud Khalil And Stands In Solidarity With The Immigrants Across The Country [WASHINGTON D.C., JUNE 12, 2025] — Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action) applauds the landmark federal court ruling declaring the detention of Mahmoud Khalil unlawful and demands his immediate and unconditional release. Khalil, a lawful permanent resident, and Columbia University graduate and vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, was unjustly targeted and detained four months ago under a politically motivated pretext by federal authorities in retaliation for his activism and has yet to be released. The arrest and detention of Mahmoud on March 8, carried out without a warrant or criminal charges, exemplifies a broader and dangerous trend of authoritarian state repression disproportionately targeting Palestinian advocates. Khalil’s detention, justified through Cold War-era laws, illustrates how tools initially deployed against marginalized communities—particularly pro-Palestinian activists—have expanded into mechanisms of widespread domestic repression. The Trump administration is now deploying militarized forces against anti-ICE protesters and threatening these protesters with terrorism charges and insurrection. “Khalil’s arrest was not an isolated incident,” said Dr. Osama Abu Irshaid, Executive Director of Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action). “It is a canary in the coal mine—a disturbing warning that authoritarian tactics of surveillance, federalizing the National Guard and mobilizing U.S. Marines against American citizens and residents, militarized police violence, and ICE raids, perfected against Black liberation and pro-Palestinian voices, are now openly deployed against the broader American public.”  California law enforcement agencies have acquired thousands of military-style rifles, dozens of armored vehicles, drones, and less-lethal weaponry from the U.S. military. These weapons were used to commit war crimes overseas, and now they’re used for repression here at home. For instance, the Garden Grove Police Department possesses over 140 semi-automatic rifles, 10,000 rounds of ammunition, flash-bang grenades, and armored vehicles. Similarly, the Fullerton Police Department maintains 160 AR-15 rifles, 15 M4 rifles, seven drones, and sniper rifles—many acquired through the federal 1033 Program. Yet, these likely do not represent the full extent of police militarization in California. Despite transparency mandates under California’s AB 481, agencies such as the LAPD continue to evade complete disclosure. A 2024 audit by the LA City Controller highlighted significant gaps, noting incomplete and inaccurate reporting. “As we’ve been saying since March, today it is Mahmoud Khalil; tomorrow it will be anyone who dares to dissent,” continued Dr. Abu Irshaid. “Tomorrow has come, and the repression facing pro-Palestinian advocates foreshadows the erosion of rights for all communities who challenge state violence and injustice.” AJP Action demands: - The immediate release of Mahmoud Khalil and dismissal of any immigration actions grounded in political retaliation.
- For the Department of Homeland Security to refrain from amending or refiling the grounds of Mahmoud’s detention that a federal judge has already ruled unconstitutional.
- An end to the use of immigration enforcement as a political weapon.
- Congressional investigations into abuses of power that target political dissent.
“Khalil’s freedom is a step forward, but the fight against authoritarianism must continue. We stand in unwavering solidarity with the people of Los Angeles and communities nationwide who courageously resist repression,” said Dr. Abu Irshaid.
In solidarity,
Americans for Justice in Palestine Action |
