An immigration judge in the U.S. has ordered the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist, to either Algeria or Syria. The ruling comes from Judge Jamee Comans in Louisiana, who stated that Khalil “wilfully misrepresented material fact(s) for the sole purpose of circumventing the immigration process.”
Khalil, a permanent U.S. resident and of Palestinian descent, gained attention during the 2024 Gaza war protests at Columbia University, where he was a student. In a statement to the American Civil Liberties Union, he expressed his belief that the deportation was a tactic by the Trump administration to retaliate against him for his political beliefs.
Khalil’s lawyers are planning to appeal the judge’s decision. They point out that federal court orders currently prevent his detention or deportation. Back in March, Khalil was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) amid a broader crackdown on universities accused of not addressing antisemitism. He spent three months in an immigration facility before a federal judge ruled he posed no risk to flee or harm his community. In June, the judge ordered him released.
While detained, Khalil’s wife, a U.S. citizen, gave birth to their son. The government claims he omitted key information on his immigration paperwork, including links to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees and employment at the British Embassy in Beirut. Khalil responded to the allegations by insisting they are baseless attempts to silence him for advocating for Palestine.
In June, Khalil’s lawyers filed a $20 million lawsuit for false imprisonment and malicious prosecution, accusing the government of smearing him as an antisemite. Trump has suggested that activists like Khalil are supporters of Hamas, a group labeled a terrorist organization by the U.S. The president characterized Khalil’s arrest as a precursor to more deportations of pro-Palestinian activists.
Khalil’s visibility increased during the Columbia protests, where he acted as a mediator between students and university officials. Activists pushing for Israeli interests have alleged his leadership role in Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), a group pushing for the university to divest from ties to Israel. Khalil contests this narrative, stating he was merely a spokesperson.
In this climate, the implications of Khalil’s case extend beyond his individual circumstances, opening discussions around free speech, immigration policy, and activism within the U.S. Detractors and supporters alike are vocal on social media, with many expressing concerns about the government’s stance on dissent.
As this story develops, it raises questions about the balance between national security and the protection of individual rights, especially for those exercising their right to free speech. For deeper insights, refer to the American Civil Liberties Union for ongoing updates and analysis.
