A U.S. immigration judge ruled on Friday, April 11, 2025, that Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and pro-Palestinian activist, can be deported. The ruling follows Khalil’s arrest last month under the Trump administration’s crackdown on activists involved in protests critical of U.S. foreign policy.
Khalil, a lawful permanent resident of the United States, now faces removal to either Syria, his birthplace, or Algeria, where he holds citizenship.
The Case Against Mahmoud Khalil
The deportation case centres around Khalil’s participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University, where he was a prominent figure advocating against Israeli actions in Gaza.
The Trump administration has argued that Khalil’s activism poses “adverse foreign policy consequences” for the United States. Secretary of State Marco Rubio invoked a rarely used provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 to justify his removal, citing Khalil’s alleged role in fostering a “hostile environment for Jewish students” and supporting groups considered antisemitic.
Despite these claims, Khalil has not been accused of any criminal activity. His attorneys argue that the government’s case is an attempt to suppress free speech and penalize lawful dissent. “This is not about national security; this is about silencing voices critical of U.S. policies,” said Marc Van Der Hout, one of Khalil’s lawyers.
The Judge’s Ruling
Immigration Judge Jamee Comans concluded that the government had provided “clear and convincing evidence” to support Khalil’s deportation. She stated that her decision was based on the administration’s assertion that his presence could undermine U.S. foreign policy objectives.
However, Comans also acknowledged that Khalil’s legal team has until April 23 to file an appeal or request a stay of deportation.
The ruling does not mean Khalil will be deported immediately. A federal judge in New Jersey has temporarily barred his removal while his attorneys prepare their next steps. Still, the decision marks a significant escalation in the administration’s efforts to target activists under immigration laws.
Human Rights Concerns
Khalil’s case has drawn widespread criticism from civil liberties groups and human rights advocates who view it as a dangerous precedent for free expression in the United States. Organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have condemned the ruling as an abuse of immigration law designed to stifle dissent. “If Mahmoud can be targeted for his activism, then no one is safe from government overreach,” said Baher Azmy, legal director at the Center for Constitutional Rights.
Khalil himself has spoken out about his detention, describing it as a direct consequence of his advocacy for Palestinian rights. In a statement from his detention facility in Louisiana, he said, “This process is not about justice; it’s about silencing voices that challenge the status quo.”
Personal Impact
The ruling has deeply affected Khalil’s family life. He is married to Noor Abdalla, a U.S. citizen who is nine months pregnant with their first child. Abdalla has described her husband’s detention as “devastating” and fears raising their child without him.
Khalil’s attorneys have argued that separating him from his family violates humanitarian principles and undermines America’s commitment to family unity.