US Court Hands Trump Victory Against Palestinian Activist, Potentially Leaving Him Detained
A two-to-one ruling by a US appeals court panel has dismissed the habeas corpus petition of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, clearing the way for his potential re-arrest and deportation. The decision, which handed a significant boost to President Donald Trump's administration, suggests that only the immigration courts have jurisdiction over Khalil's case.
Khalil, who is a lawful permanent resident with Algerian citizenship and married to a US citizen, was detained by immigration authorities last year while pursuing a graduate degree at Columbia University. The detention was part of a campaign targeting dozens of foreign students for deportation over their criticism of Israel, with rights advocates arguing that the move violates US free speech rights.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has voiced concern about the ruling, stating that it "attacks on all our constitutional rights" and threatening Khalil's freedom. The appeals panel's decision does not go into effect immediately, but immigration advocates warn that Khalil may face re-arrest in the near future.
A US District Court had previously ordered Khalil's release, but the appeals court has now reversed that ruling. The immigration courts have already sided with the government in ruling that Khalil is deportable, and an immigration judge is expected to consider his case.
The decision has been met with criticism from rights advocates, who argue that it undermines the role of federal courts in preventing constitutional violations. "Dissent is not grounds for detention or deportation," said Bobby Hodgson, deputy legal director at the New York Civil Liberties Union, which is representing Khalil.
Khalil's team plans to appeal the decision and continue fighting for his rights, with a possible route to the Supreme Court. As the case moves forward, it remains to be seen whether Khalil will be allowed to make an argument about the violation of his constitutional rights, specifically free speech.
A two-to-one ruling by a US appeals court panel has dismissed the habeas corpus petition of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, clearing the way for his potential re-arrest and deportation. The decision, which handed a significant boost to President Donald Trump's administration, suggests that only the immigration courts have jurisdiction over Khalil's case.
Khalil, who is a lawful permanent resident with Algerian citizenship and married to a US citizen, was detained by immigration authorities last year while pursuing a graduate degree at Columbia University. The detention was part of a campaign targeting dozens of foreign students for deportation over their criticism of Israel, with rights advocates arguing that the move violates US free speech rights.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has voiced concern about the ruling, stating that it "attacks on all our constitutional rights" and threatening Khalil's freedom. The appeals panel's decision does not go into effect immediately, but immigration advocates warn that Khalil may face re-arrest in the near future.
A US District Court had previously ordered Khalil's release, but the appeals court has now reversed that ruling. The immigration courts have already sided with the government in ruling that Khalil is deportable, and an immigration judge is expected to consider his case.
The decision has been met with criticism from rights advocates, who argue that it undermines the role of federal courts in preventing constitutional violations. "Dissent is not grounds for detention or deportation," said Bobby Hodgson, deputy legal director at the New York Civil Liberties Union, which is representing Khalil.
Khalil's team plans to appeal the decision and continue fighting for his rights, with a possible route to the Supreme Court. As the case moves forward, it remains to be seen whether Khalil will be allowed to make an argument about the violation of his constitutional rights, specifically free speech.
I'm so worried about Mahmoud Khalil's situation... as a parent, I would feel the same way if my own child was in this shoes 
. It's not right that he's being targeted just because of his opinions and activism 
. The US government needs to remember that freedom of speech is a fundamental right, especially for those who are living in the country with all rights already granted 
. This ruling sends a really bad message to others who might be thinking about speaking out against injustice... what's next? 
what's next? 
people who disagree with politicians? it's like they're saying "shut up and be quiet" or something... 
i'm so worried about this, i hope his team can get this to the supreme court and we can finally see justice done 
Let's hope Khalil's team gets to appeal this and that the Supreme Court steps in soon 
. I mean, what's next? Gonna take away their citizenship too? It's all about protecting Israel and keeping it happy, right? 
. Khalil gets to be deported back to Algeria, and the US gets to claim victory over "radical" activists 
The fact that the appeals panel is siding with Trump's admin is insane... like, what even is going on in this country?! 
. But, on the other hand, I'm super worried about free speech rights and how they're being trampled down in this whole thing 
... I mean, shouldn't dissenting voices be protected? 
.
it's like they're trying to silence anyone who dares to speak out against injustice 
the US court system is like a big ol' game of whack-a-mole – one day they say freedom, next day they say deport 'im 
... this ruling is super unfair 
. It's crazy that a court can say that criticizing Israel gets you targeted for deportation 
. And now it looks like he might be stuck in detention again 
. The fact that the appeals panel is saying only immigration courts get to make decisions on this case? 
... we need to stand up for people's constitutional rights 
!
Anyway, this ruling against Mahmoud Khalil is super worrying. The fact that the appeals court sided with Trump's admin just shows how biased it's become 
. But you know what? I still have faith in the US justice system... for now 
.
. I mean, if dissent isn't enough to get you released, what is? The fact that Khalil was already a lawful permanent resident with Algerian citizenship just makes this whole thing even more egregious 
. Khalil has been living in the US as a lawful permanent resident for years, just trying to finish his education without any issues 
. This ruling could set a super bad precedent and make life even harder for Palestinian activists who come here seeking freedom and an education 
.
. It's not fair that he can't even express his opinions on Israel or Palestine without being targeted for deportation 
The fact that a US appeals court is essentially saying only immigration courts can deal with Khalil's case 
. I mean, isn't the federal court system supposed to be like, protecting people's rights & stuff? 
. And now we're gonna see if Khalil can even get his case heard at the Supreme Court... it feels like a total showdown between the free speech movement and whoever's in power right now