Washington: A U.S. immigration judge has ruled that deportation proceedings against Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and lawful permanent resident, may continue. The decision came following a two-hour hearing in Louisiana on Friday, where Judge Jamee Comans concluded that the U.S. government had presented “clear and convincing evidence” justifying Khalil’s removal. Khalil retains the right to appeal the ruling.
Khalil was arrested on March 8 by immigration officers in front of his pregnant wife and has remained in detention since. His arrest followed his involvement in peaceful pro-Palestinian protests on Columbia’s campus, which criticized the university’s connections to the Israeli military during the Gaza conflict.
His legal team has condemned the proceedings, describing them as a violation of due process and an abuse of immigration law aimed at silencing political dissent. “Mahmoud was denied a fair hearing,” said attorney Marc Van Der Hout. “This is not over, and we will keep fighting.”
Khalil is being targeted under an obscure immigration statute that permits the Secretary of State to recommend deportation for non-citizens whose presence is considered harmful to U.S. foreign policy. Secretary of State Marco Rubio submitted a letter to the court alleging Khalil’s participation in "antisemitic protests and disruptive actions" contributed to a hostile environment for Jewish students. However, the letter did not cite any legal violations by Khalil.
Critics argue this case represents a dangerous infringement on First Amendment rights and sets a worrying precedent for freedom of expression. “This is a politically motivated move disguised as a legal process,” said Baher Azmy from the Center for Constitutional Rights.
Khalil’s supporters, including his wife Noor Abdalla, expressed outrage at the decision, calling it unjust and deeply concerning. “No one should be deported for speaking out against violence in Gaza,” Abdalla said during a press conference.
Though Judge Comans gave Khalil’s attorneys until April 23 to file for a waiver, the case is also being challenged in a separate federal court in New Jersey. There, Judge Michael Farbiarz has temporarily halted any deportation while considering whether Khalil’s arrest violated constitutional protections on free speech.
In recent weeks, immigration authorities have also taken action against other international students who have shown support for Palestinians or participated in protests, raising alarm among civil liberties advocates.
