In brief
Mahmoud Khalil appeared before the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia, challenging a deportation order stemming from his activism at Columbia University. His lawyers seek to uphold a lower court ruling that prevented his re-detention. Khalil argues that his deportation attempts are an effort to intimidate free speech advocates.
PENNSYLVANIA (MetaWorld.Media) — Mahmoud Khalil appeared Tuesday in a federal appeals court in Philadelphia, continuing his fight against a deportation case initiated during the Trump administration due to his pro-Palestinian activism at Columbia University.
The hearing, held before the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, comes as the government attempts to reverse a lower court’s order that granted Khalil his release from detention in Louisiana earlier this summer.
Khalil's attorneys argue that the district court's ruling should remain in effect, which prohibits federal authorities from detaining him again and starting the deportation procedures. Government attorney Drew Ensign contends that the lower court exceeded its authority and that the issue should be handled by an immigration judge in Louisiana.
“This is all taking place in an unauthorized setting,” Ensign emphasized during the proceedings. “This needs to be a complete halt.”
Last month, an immigration judge decided that Khalil could face deportation, although the case is currently under review by an appeals board.
As a legal U.S. resident married to an American citizen, Khalil remains steadfast in his commitment to advocating for Palestinians. A magistrate judge recently allowed him to travel across the country for events and rallies related to his cause.
Khalil stated after the hearing, “They want to make an example of me to intimidate those speaking out for Palestine across the country. I’m stating unequivocally: I will continue my legal fight in federal courts for my rights, and for everyone’s right, to free speech.”
He became one of the first individuals arrested under the Trump administration's extensive efforts to deport student activists, academics, and others involved in pro-Palestinian protests, which the government has labeled as antisemitic.
Khalil has consistently denied these antisemitism allegations.
