Judge Rules Mahmoud Khalil Can Be Deported Over Palestinian Activism

Published : Saturday, 12 April, 2025 at 5:03 PM Count : 58

A U.S. immigration judge in Louisiana has ruled that Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and legal permanent resident, can be deported on the grounds that his pro-Palestinian activism poses a threat to American foreign policy interests. The decision has ignited a national debate over free speech, due process, and the Trump administration’s crackdown on campus dissent.

Khalil, a Syrian-born Palestinian, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on March 8, 2025, outside his New York City apartment, where he lived with his pregnant U.S. citizen wife. He was taken to a detention facility in Jena, Louisiana, over 1,000 miles from his home. The government has not charged him with any crime but argues that his presence in the U.S. is detrimental to foreign policy, citing a 1952 provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act that allows deportation of noncitizens whose presence is deemed adverse to U.S. interests.

Immigration Judge Jamee Comans ruled that the government's argument was "facially reasonable," allowing deportation proceedings to continue. Khalil's legal team has until April 23 to appeal the decision.

Khalil's case is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to address what it describes as rising antisemitism on college campuses. In January 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14188, directing federal agencies to combat antisemitism in educational institutions and scrutinize foreign students involved in anti-Israel protests. Following this, Columbia University faced a $400 million cut in federal funding for allegedly failing to protect Jewish students.

Khalil's attorneys argue that the deportation proceedings violate his First Amendment rights. They contend that his activism is constitutionally protected speech and that the government's case lacks substantive evidence. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has criticized the ruling as a "pre-written" decision based on a letter from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which did not allege any criminal activity.

In court, Khalil stated, "Clearly what we witnessed today, neither of these principles were present today or in this whole process." His legal team plans to appeal the ruling and has filed a federal lawsuit in New Jersey challenging his arrest as unconstitutional.

Khalil's case has become emblematic of the tension between national security measures and civil liberties. Civil rights groups warn that the administration's actions could set a precedent for targeting individuals based on political beliefs. The outcome of Khalil's appeal may have significant implications for free speech rights, particularly for noncitizens engaged in political activism.

As the legal battle continues, Khalil remains detained in Louisiana, awaiting the next steps in a case that has captured national attention and raised critical questions about the balance between security and constitutional rights.

FP/Raj