Judge Rules Columbia Activist Mahmoud Khalil Can Be Deported Amid Free Speech Concerns

Judge Rules Columbia Activist Mahmoud Khalil Can Be Deported Amid Free Speech Concerns


In a decision that has sparked widespread debate over free speech and immigration policy, a U.S. immigration judge in Louisiana ruled on April 11, 2025, that Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian-born Columbia University graduate and lawful U.S. resident, can be deported. The ruling cites Secretary of State Marco Rubio's assertion that Khalil's presence poses "adverse foreign policy consequences" due to his involvement in pro-Palestinian activism.

Khalil, who was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on March 8, 2025, has been detained in Louisiana since his arrest. The government's case against him relies on a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, allowing for the deportation of non-citizens whose presence is deemed detrimental to U.S. foreign policy interests. Notably, Khalil has not been charged with any criminal activity; the government's evidence includes a memo from Secretary Rubio stating that Khalil's participation in "antisemitic protests and disruptive activities" undermines U.S. efforts to combat antisemitism and protect Jewish students.


Khalil's attorneys argue that the deportation proceedings are politically motivated and infringe upon his First Amendment rights. They contend that the government's reliance on Khalil's lawful political beliefs and associations sets a dangerous precedent for free speech. The legal team plans to appeal the ruling and has until April 23 to file applications to halt his deportation. Simultaneously, a federal habeas corpus petition challenging the constitutionality of Khalil's detention remains active in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, temporarily blocking his removal from the country.

The case has drawn significant attention from civil rights organizations, legal experts, and political figures, many of whom express concern over the implications for free expression and due process. As legal proceedings continue, the outcome of Khalil's case may have far-reaching consequences for the rights of non-citizens engaged in political activism within the United States.

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