Last Updated on 6 months by Alex Orion
A federal judge in New York has temporarily blocked the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and former Columbia University student, following his arrest by federal immigration authorities. The ruling ensures that Khalil will not be removed from the United States until a court conference on Wednesday, where his case will be reviewed, according to CNN.
Khalil, who played a key role in the student-led protests demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, was taken into custody on Saturday night by Department of Homeland Security agents. His legal team argues that his arrest is a direct attempt by the Trump administration to suppress student activism,
Particularly pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Federal authorities claim his green card was revoked based on a State Department directive, though legal experts point out that only an immigration judge has the authority to strip someone of their lawful permanent resident status.
His detention has sparked outrage among activists and students, with hundreds marching in Manhattan to demand his release. Khalil was transferred to a detention facility in Louisiana, raising concerns that his access to legal counsel and family has been severely limited.
His lawyers have filed an appeal to have him returned to New York, arguing that his transfer undermines due process.
The Trump administration has justified Khalil’s arrest by citing immigration law provisions that allow the government to deport non-citizens if their presence is deemed harmful to U.S. foreign policy. However, legal experts say this justification is rarely used and could set a dangerous precedent for targeting political activists. Civil rights organizations have condemned the move, comparing it to past government crackdowns on dissent.
Columbia University, where Khalil completed his master’s degree in December, acknowledged reports of immigration enforcement activity on campus but did not clarify whether a valid warrant had been presented for his arrest.
The university has been at the center of student protests over Israel’s military actions in Gaza, with demonstrators calling for the school to divest from companies linked to Israeli defense operations.
Khalil’s case has drawn national attention, with supporters warning that his detention could be the first in a broader campaign against pro-Palestinian student activists. The outcome of Wednesday’s court hearing could have significant implications for immigration policy, student activism, and the broader political climate in the United States.