Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil discusses memoir at Columbia University

Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil returned to Columbia University to discuss his memoir detailing his arrest and detention by US immigration agents, Al Jazeera reported.

Khalil, a Columbia graduate and prominent figure in the 2024 campus movement supporting Palestine, said the American public is beginning to view Palestinians as equals, according to Al Jazeera.

The event, attended by about 100 people, marked Khalil's first visit to Columbia since his arrest in March 2025 during a federal crackdown on foreign student activists, Al Jazeera noted.

Khalil criticized the university leadership for attempting to erase Palestinian voices on campus, while some Jewish groups expressed opposition to his return. Columbia responded by affirming its commitment to open debate and clarifying that inviting speakers does not imply endorsement of their views.

Khalil previously helped lead demonstrations at Columbia that sparked nationwide protests against Israel's war in Gaza. His detention lasted three months without criminal charges despite his permanent US residency, according to Al Jazeera.