(July 13, 2025 / JNS) Anti-Israel activist Mahmoud Khalil is suing the Trump administration for $20 million, alleging wrongful detention and prosecution over his support for the Palestinian cause.

His lawyers filed the claim on Thursday under the Federal Tort Claims Act, which is a required first step before a full lawsuit. The complaint alleges that the president and other officials launched a campaign to “terrorize him and his family” during and after his arrest on March 8. Khalil was subsequently held in ICE detention in Louisiana for over 100 days pending deportation proceedings.

The 30-year-old, a recent Columbia University graduate and U.S. permanent resident, remained in custody until June 20, when a federal judge ordered his release on bail.