Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and former graduate student at Columbia University, was arrested by federal immigration authorities in early March, with the government attempting to revoke his green card. Khalil, a lawful U.S. resident, had been involved in pro-Palestinian protests on campus, advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza and calling on the university to divest from companies supporting Israeli military actions. His arrest came after President Donald Trump warned that his administration would target pro-Palestinian student activists as part of a broader crackdown on demonstrations against Israel.
Khalil’s detention has sparked significant backlash from civil rights groups, free speech advocates, and those concerned about political repression. These groups argue that his arrest is a violation of his First Amendment rights, since it is seen as an attempt to suppress his political activism. On Monday, a federal judge in New York temporarily blocked Khalil’s deportation while considering a legal challenge filed by his attorneys. The judge’s ruling prevents the U.S. government from proceeding with Khalil’s deportation until a hearing is held, where the court will further assess the legal validity of the government’s actions.
Khalil’s legal team contends that the government’s actions are retaliatory, arguing that Khalil’s advocacy for Palestinian human rights, which included his leadership in the Columbia University Apartheid Divest movement, should be protected by the Constitution. Legal experts point out that deporting a lawful permanent resident like Khalil is an extraordinary step, as U.S. immigration law typically requires strong evidence of serious criminal activity before deportation can occur.
Khalil’s case has raised broader concerns about the use of immigration enforcement to silence dissent and political expression, especially regarding views critical of U.S. foreign policy. His lawyers are working to challenge the government’s actions in court, while civil rights groups warn of the broader implications for free speech and political activism in the U.S. The case remains under active legal review.
References: Elassar, Alaa. Et. al. “Judge temporarily blocks effort to deport Palestinian activist who helped lead Columbia student protests” CNN. March 11, 2025.
Offenhartz, Jake. Marcelo, Philip. “Trump warns that arrest of Palestinian activist at Columbia will be ‘first of many’” AP. March 10, 2025.
