ICE denies Mahmoud Khalil from holding newborn son: Reports

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) prevented detained Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil from holding his newborn son during a family visit, according to a report published by CBS News citing his legal team.

Khalil, 30, met his month-old baby for the first time behind a glass partition at a detention center in Louisiana, where he has been held since March. His wife, Noor Abdalla, traveled from New York for the visit, hoping for a contact meeting.

However, ICE officials and the private contractor operating the facility denied the family’s request for physical contact, citing the detention center’s no-contact visitation policy and vague "security concerns," Khalil’s lawyers said.

The incident has sparked criticism from rights advocates who view the decision as unnecessarily cruel.

Khalil’s legal team is continuing to push for his release, arguing that he poses no threat and has strong community ties.

Khalil, 30, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., was arrested by ICE agents on March 8 for taking part in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University in New York City.

He has been held in a Louisiana detention center for over two months as his court case moves forward in New Jersey.