Fact Check: While detained, he missed the birth of his child and Columbia University’s commencement ceremony.

Fact Check: "While detained, he missed the birth of his child and Columbia University’s commencement ceremony."

What We Know

Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student and pro-Palestinian activist, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and subsequently missed the birth of his first child. His wife, Noor Abdalla, confirmed that ICE denied a request for Khalil to be temporarily released to attend the birth, which occurred on a Monday. Abdalla stated, "This was a purposeful decision by ICE to make me, Mahmoud, and our son suffer" (Washington Post). Khalil's legal team attempted to secure a furlough for him to attend the birth, but the request was denied within 35 minutes (Washington Post).

In addition to missing the birth of his child, Khalil also missed Columbia University's commencement ceremony, where students expressed their support for him by chanting "Free Mahmoud!" during the event (CT Post, Courant).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that Khalil missed both significant life events is well-documented through multiple credible sources. The Washington Post provides a detailed account of the circumstances surrounding Khalil's detention and the denial of his request to attend the birth of his child. The source is reputable and known for its investigative journalism, which adds to its reliability.

Furthermore, the CT Post and Courant corroborate the claim regarding Khalil's absence from the commencement ceremony, indicating that this was a notable event that drew public attention. Both sources are established news outlets, which enhances the credibility of their reports.

The sources used in this analysis are reliable and provide consistent information about Khalil's situation. They reflect the emotional and legal complexities surrounding his detention and the impact it had on his family life.

Conclusion

The claim that Mahmoud Khalil missed the birth of his child and Columbia University’s commencement ceremony while detained is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that Khalil was denied the opportunity to attend these significant events due to ICE's refusal to grant him temporary release.

Sources

1. Mahmoud Khalil missed son's birth after ICE denied ...
2. 1. Ask if you're being detained - Steps to Justice
3. Over boos, Columbia University president notes Mahmoud ...
4. What are my rights if I’m detained or arrested?
5. Mahmoud Khalil will remain in detention, despite judge's ...
6. 1. Ask why you’re being detained or arrested - Steps to Justice
7. Over boos, Columbia president notes Khalil's absence at ...
8. 3. Understand what happens if you're detained - Steps to Justice