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 prominent activist, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and subsequently missed significant personal events, including 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, stating, “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 of submission (Washington Post).
Additionally, Khalil also missed Columbia University's commencement ceremony, which took place while he was still in detention. During the ceremony, students reportedly chanted “Free Mahmoud!” in solidarity with him (US News, Forward).
Analysis
The claim that Khalil missed both the birth of his child and the commencement ceremony is supported by 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. This source is reputable and widely recognized for its journalistic integrity, making it a reliable reference for this claim.
Furthermore, the reports from US News and Forward corroborate the information about Khalil missing the commencement ceremony, indicating that this was a widely reported incident. The consistency across these sources enhances the credibility of the claim.
While the sources are reliable, it is important to note that Khalil's situation is politically charged, given his activism related to Palestinian rights. This context may influence the framing of the narrative in some outlets, but the factual basis of the claim remains intact.
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 credible sources confirms that he was denied temporary release for both significant life events, which were reported extensively in the media.
