A legal battle has begun in federal court over the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student activist, whose arrest has raised concerns about the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman temporarily blocked the deportation of Khalil, a Palestinian national, on Monday and scheduled a hearing for Wednesday.
The legal dispute centers on whether Furman has the authority to intervene in the case before an immigration court makes a final decision on Khalil’s status.
The government has indicated it plans to argue that the judge should first rule on his authority to handle the matter before considering Khalil’s arguments. Khalil’s legal team has also asserted that his arrest by Department of Homeland Security agents was illegal, as his rights to free speech under the First Amendment were allegedly violated.
Khalil, a lawful permanent resident with a green card, was arrested on Saturday outside Columbia University’s student housing. He has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, particularly in organizing protests against U.S. foreign policy and Israeli actions in Gaza.
The U.S. government, however, claims Khalil’s alleged support for Hamas—designated by the U.S. as a foreign terrorist organization—warrants his deportation.
Despite these accusations, the government has yet to charge Khalil with any crime, and no evidence has been presented linking him to Hamas.
Legal experts suggest that for Khalil to be deported, the government must present clear and convincing evidence that his activities meet the legal criteria for removal from the U.S.
The case has drawn significant attention, with protests erupting in New York City and criticism from Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Rashida Tlaib. They argue that Khalil’s arrest represents a dangerous escalation in political repression and civil liberties violations.
The upcoming court hearing will focus primarily on procedural matters, with a more extensive legal battle expected to unfold in the coming months. If the immigration court rules against Khalil, he could appeal, and the case may continue for years.
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