In March of this year, Mahmoud Khalil was going about his daily routine when he was suddenly and violently abducted by plainclothes ICE agents. As he was being taken away, he managed to utter four words to his wife, Noor Abdalla: “Call Amy, my lawyer.” This simple phone call would set off a chain of events that would lead to an epic legal battle for Khalil’s freedom.
In an exclusive interview with The Real News Network, we spoke to Amy Greer, the lawyer who received Abdalla’s call and took on the daunting task of fighting for Khalil’s release. Greer, a passionate and dedicated advocate for immigrant rights, has been working tirelessly to defend Khalil and countless others who have been unjustly targeted by ICE.
When asked about her initial reaction to receiving the call from Abdalla, Greer recalls feeling a mix of shock and determination. “I knew that this was going to be a difficult case, but I also knew that I had to do everything in my power to help this family,” she says. “No one should have to go through what they were experiencing.”
Khalil, a Syrian immigrant who had been living in the United States for over a decade, was a beloved member of his community. He was a hardworking father and husband, and had no criminal record. Yet, he found himself caught in the crosshairs of ICE’s aggressive tactics. His only “crime” was being an undocumented immigrant.
Greer immediately got to work, filing a habeas corpus petition to challenge Khalil’s detention. This legal maneuver allows a person to challenge the legality of their imprisonment and seek release. However, the road to freedom was not an easy one. The government fought tooth and nail to keep Khalil detained, arguing that he was a flight risk and a danger to society.
But Greer was not deterred. She tirelessly gathered evidence and built a strong case to prove that Khalil posed no threat and deserved to be released. She also worked closely with Khalil’s family, providing them with much-needed support and guidance throughout the process.
After months of legal battles and setbacks, Greer’s hard work paid off. In a landmark decision, a federal judge ordered Khalil’s release, stating that his detention was “unlawful and unconstitutional.” The judge also criticized ICE’s tactics, calling them “deceptive and manipulative.”
For Khalil and his family, it was a moment of overwhelming joy and relief. After being separated for months, they were finally reunited. “I cannot express how grateful I am to Amy and her team for fighting for my husband’s freedom,” says Abdalla. “Without her, I don’t know where we would be right now.”
But the fight is far from over. Greer continues to represent Khalil as he seeks permanent residency in the United States. She also continues to fight for the rights of other immigrants who are facing similar injustices at the hands of ICE.
In the current political climate, where anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies are on the rise, Greer’s work is more important than ever. She is a shining example of the power of perseverance and the impact that one dedicated individual can have on the lives of others.
As for Khalil, he is grateful for the second chance at life in the country he has called home for so many years. “I am so thankful to Amy and everyone who supported us during this difficult time,” he says. “I will never forget what they have done for me and my family.”
The case of Mahmoud Khalil serves as a reminder that the fight for justice and equality is ongoing. But with dedicated individuals like Amy Greer leading the charge, there is hope for a better future for all immigrants in the United States.
