A U.S. judge has extended an order preventing the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student whose arrest has ignited a heated debate over free speech, immigration policy, and political activism.
Judge Jesse Furman issued the extension to allow more time to evaluate the legality of Khalil’s detention, which his legal team argues was a direct retaliation for his vocal criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Khalil, 30, was taken into custody outside his Manhattan residence by federal agents, who cited a rarely used legal provision that allows deportation if an individual’s presence is deemed contrary to U.S. foreign policy interests.
Khalil’s lawyers contend that his detention is an attack on First Amendment rights. “Mr. Khalil was identified, targeted, and detained solely because of his advocacy for Palestinian rights,” his attorney, Ramzi Kassem, told the court.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has accused Khalil of supporting Hamas, though no formal charges or evidence have been presented to support the claim. The case has fueled broader tensions over campus activism, with officials arguing that pro-Palestinian demonstrations have veered into extremism, while student organizers assert their right to protest without fear of government reprisal.
Outside the courthouse, demonstrators rallied in support of Khalil, holding signs demanding his release and denouncing efforts to suppress political dissent.
Khalil, a permanent U.S. resident originally from a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria, remains in federal custody as legal proceedings continue. The case is expected to test the limits of free speech protections in the context of immigration enforcement.
