A U.S. immigration judge has cleared the way for the potential deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University student, after a tense hearing in Jena, Louisiana. The decision follows a push from the Trump administration to expel Khalil, who was arrested last month in New York City. Despite this ruling, Khalil’s legal team is exploring avenues to prevent his deportation, challenging the fairness of the process.
Judge Jamee Comans of the LaSalle Immigration Court ruled that she could not overrule a determination made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had declared that Khalil’s actions could jeopardize U.S. foreign policy interests. According to Rubio, Khalil’s pro-Palestinian activism and involvement in protests against Israeli policies may contribute to an environment of hostility towards Jewish students in the U.S. While Khalil has not been charged with any crime, Rubio’s letter cited a law from 1952 that allows for the revocation of lawful immigrant status when an individual’s actions, even if legal, could be seen as harmful to U.S. interests.
During the heated 90-minute hearing, Khalil’s lawyers accused the government of violating his due process rights, claiming they were given insufficient time to review key evidence. They also sought to subpoena Rubio for clarification on the grounds of his decision, but their request was denied. Khalil himself addressed the court after the hearing, asserting that his treatment violated the principles of fairness and due process. “This is exactly why the Trump administration has sent me to this court, a thousand miles away from my family,” he said, highlighting the unjust nature of the proceedings.
Khalil’s case has drawn widespread support, particularly from those who see his activism as part of a broader campaign for Palestinian rights. His legal team argues that his criticism of U.S. policy regarding Israel should not be construed as antisemitism, a charge that has been leveled against him by his detractors. His lawyers have pointed to his public statements condemning antisemitism and other forms of hate.
Currently, Khalil remains detained in a Louisiana immigration facility, awaiting further legal developments. While his deportation is not yet final, his legal team has until April 23 to submit additional petitions, including claims of potential persecution if he were to be sent back to his home country.
The case is also being examined by a federal court in New Jersey, where a judge has temporarily blocked Khalil’s deportation while considering whether his arrest violated his constitutional right to free speech.
The U.S. immigration system, with its complex legal challenges and far-reaching implications for individuals caught in its web, is at the center of Khalil’s fight. His supporters view the case as a test of the limits of free expression in an increasingly polarized political climate.
