posted 11th April 2025
US Judge Rules Columbia Activist Mahmoud Khalil Can Be Deported
An immigration judge in Louisiana has ruled that Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University activist and pro-Palestinian protester, can be deported from the United States, citing claims by the Trump administration that his presence threatens foreign policy interests. The decision, delivered on Friday, has sparked outrage among Khalil’s supporters, who labelled it a violation of due process and an attack on free speech.
Khalil, a green card holder married to an American citizen, Noor Abdalla, who is expecting their first child, appeared before Judge Jamee Comans. The judge sided with a memo from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, asserting that Khalil’s activism posed “adverse foreign policy consequences.” Rubio’s memo referenced Khalil’s alleged involvement in “antisemitic protests,” claims his legal team strongly disputes, arguing no evidence was provided.
The ruling has given Khalil’s lawyers until 23 April to file applications to halt his deportation to either Syria or Algeria. Failure to meet this deadline will result in a removal order. The decision stunned supporters in the courtroom, some of whom wept as the judge agreed the government was not required to present additional evidence beyond Rubio’s memo.
Speaking after the hearing, Khalil addressed the judge directly, quoting her earlier remarks on due process: “You said there’s nothing more important to this court than due process rights and fundamental fairness. Clearly, neither of these principles were present today.” He accused the Trump administration of targeting him for his advocacy, adding, “I hope the urgency you deemed fit for me is afforded to the hundreds of others who have been here without a hearing for months.”
Khalil’s wife, Noor Abdalla, issued a statement read by a supporter, calling the ruling a “devastating blow to our family.” She said, “No person should be deemed removable from their home for speaking out against the killing of Palestinian families, doctors, and journalists. My husband is a political prisoner deprived of his rights because he believes Palestinians deserve equal dignity and freedom.”
Khalil, a former Columbia graduate student who led protests urging the university to divest from Israeli ties, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in March at his campus housing. His legal team, backed by the ACLU-NJ, argued the government failed to substantiate claims, including allegations Khalil misrepresented information on his green card application. “This is a rush to judgement on baseless charges,” said Amol Sinha, ACLU-NJ’s executive director. “We are confident he will prevail.”
The case coincides with a separate federal court proceeding in New Jersey, where a judge has ruled Khalil cannot be deported while that case is ongoing. Khalil’s attorney, Marc van der Hout, condemned Friday’s hearing as a “charade of due process” and vowed to continue fighting. “If Mahmoud can be targeted for speaking out for Palestinians, this can happen to anyone over any issue the Trump administration dislikes,” he said.
The ruling raises concerns about the broader implications for international students and activists, with fears it could embolden further deportations under the obscure 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act, cited by the government.
As the deadline looms, Khalil’s supporters rally to overturn what they call an unjust decision, insisting his fight is far from over.
