Khalil’s representatives said that ICE’s refusal stood in contrast to the agency’s directives encouraging contact visits and preserving parental rights.

ICE officials and a prison contractor refused to grant a contact visit between Mahmoud Khalil​ and his family, the American Civil Liberties Union said.

Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, who has been detained since his arrest in March, took the stand Thursday during a hearing on his immigration status.

Crowd: “Free Mahmoud! Free Mahmoud! Free Mahmoud! Free Mahmoud!” The peaceful protest was in reference to Columbia graduate student Mahmoud Khalil, who remains in ICE detention after being taken from his apartment near campus by federal agents in March.

The new video appears to show Mahoud Khalil cooperating with ICE agents before he was detained. His legal team claims the video contradicts the government’s argument that he was a flight risk.

Student activist Mohsen Mahdawi has attended his graduation from Columbia University, weeks after his release from federal custody.