Pro-Hamas Activist Sues Trump Administration for $20 Million, But Legal Expert Says It’s Doomed

A pro-Hamas activist detained by the Trump administration is demanding $20 million for what he claims was false imprisonment. Legal experts, however, say his lawsuit stands little chance and may be more of a political stunt than a serious legal effort.

Key Facts:

Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist, filed a $20 million claim against the federal government.
He was detained and faced deportation by the Trump administration.
The claim accuses the government of false imprisonment and malicious prosecution.
NBC legal analyst Danny Cevallos says such lawsuits are nearly impossible to win due to government immunity.
Filing a large-dollar claim is often a strategic move, not a reflection of actual case value.

The Rest of The Story:

Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University activist with a track record of radical views, has filed a \$20 million notice of claim against the federal government.

He alleges that his detention by immigration authorities under the Trump administration amounted to false imprisonment and malicious prosecution.

NBC News legal analyst Danny Cevallos responded bluntly during a segment with anchor Chris Jansing.

“It’s not likely,” he said.

“Even Khalil’s attorneys would know that it’s not likely.”

Cevallos explained that these notices of claim are required by law before a lawsuit can be filed and almost always get rejected.

Cevallos emphasized that law enforcement has broad protections when it comes to detaining individuals, especially if they had probable cause.

“As long as they had probable cause… the government is going to be immune and the government is going to win that lawsuit,” he said.

Regarding the $20 million demand, Cevallos noted that lawyers often inflate figures in these filings to leave room for negotiations.

He admitted, “I’m guilty of it… you put in $10 million on a claim that may not be worth that much.”

He also pointed out that the actual value of Khalil’s claim, even if valid, would be far less.

“Realistically, it’s worth something. It’s probably not $20 million,” he said.

Commentary:

Let’s call this lawsuit what it is: a politically motivated cash grab.

Mahmoud Khalil isn’t just an activist—he’s a pro-Hamas agitator whose very presence at Columbia and his radical rhetoric have raised serious concerns.

The Trump administration’s decision to detain and begin removal proceedings against him wasn’t arbitrary. It was lawful and, frankly, overdue.

Khalil’s lawsuit reeks of entitlement.

Only in America does a POS like this turnaround and bring a $20 million lawsuit against our country when, IMHO, he should never have been here in the first place.https://t.co/OfJJw5gkeL

— Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) July 10, 2025

He wasn’t kidnapped off the street—he was held for a valid legal reason tied to national security concerns.

Filing a $20 million claim isn’t just laughable, it’s insulting to Americans who understand the rule of law.

Even a legal analyst like NBC’s Danny Cevallos, who would normally be expected to show sympathy, acknowledged the case is going nowhere.

Cevallos effectively dismantled Khalil’s narrative. His explanation makes it clear: federal agents acted within the law, and the government has immunity as long as probable cause existed.

That’s the case here, plain and simple.

The inflated dollar figure is a tactic—Cevallos admitted lawyers like himself often throw out big numbers knowing full well they won’t stick.

Khalil and his legal team are playing the system, hoping media pressure or political sympathy will get them a settlement. It shouldn’t.

America shouldn’t be a safe haven for those who openly support terrorist movements.

If Khalil is more comfortable waving the Hamas flag than pledging allegiance to the Constitution, perhaps he’d be happier in Gaza.

It's not widely known, but over HALF of Columba University's enrollment is now foreign students. Some of them are people like Mahmoud Khalil, who spent all his time agitating in support of Hamas terrorists.

But if you dig deeper, the true story is even more appalling: Columbia… pic.twitter.com/gQQ6qi5x4u

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) March 12, 2025

Our immigration system isn’t perfect, but it should, at the very least, protect us from those who wish us harm.

Khalil’s presence isn’t about free speech.

It’s about allowing known radicals to undermine national security from within.

And this lawsuit is just the latest example of the entitled extremism that’s infected our elite institutions.

The Trump administration was right to detain him and should see through with his removal.

Americans deserve a government that protects its citizens—not one that pays off radical activists for pushing anti-American agendas.

The Bottom Line:

Mahmoud Khalil’s $20 million lawsuit against the Trump administration is unlikely to succeed, even according to legal analysts typically sympathetic to his side.

His detention was lawful, and the government is likely immune from prosecution.

This case appears to be more of a political statement than a serious legal claim—and it should be treated as such.