Photo: Anadolu
An immigration judge in Jena, Louisiana, ruled on Friday (April 11) that Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and activist, can be deported. Khalil, who led pro-Palestinian protests at the university, was detained last month after Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled his activism as antisemitic, stating it undermined U.S. foreign policy goals against antisemitism.
During the hearing, Judge Jamee Comans stated she could not challenge Rubio's determination. Khalil, a lawful permanent resident with a green card, expressed his disappointment, questioning the fairness and due process of the proceedings. Khalil's attorney, Marc Van Der Hout, argued that targeting Khalil for his speech sets a concerning precedent for others exercising free speech.
Khalil's deportation is not immediate. His legal team plans to appeal the ruling, and Judge Comans has given them until April 23 to request a stay of deportation. If not appealed, Khalil could be deported to Syria, his birthplace, or Algeria, where he holds citizenship. Khalil was arrested on March 8 at his New York City residence and has been held at the Jena/LaSalle Detention Facility since. Meanwhile, a federal court case in New Jersey is examining the legality of his arrest and detention.
The ruling relies on the McCarran-Walter Act, a 1950s statute that allows the Secretary of State to deem a noncitizen's presence a threat to U.S. foreign policy. Khalil's case has drawn attention, with observers concerned about the implications for free speech and immigration policy.