Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate involved in pro-Palestinian protests, is challenging the Trump administration’s attempt to deport him in a potentially landmark case. The federal court in New Jersey ruled that the case belongs in New Jersey, rejecting the Trump administration’s request to transfer it to Louisiana. Khalil’s legal team argued against rewarding the administration’s attempts to shop for favorable jurisdictions by moving detainees across state lines.
Khalil, a Palestinian born in Syria, was detained after participating in protests against war in Gaza at Columbia University. He was arrested in New York City and transferred to an ICE facility in Louisiana. The government charged him under a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act and accused him of withholding information on his application.
Khalil’s wife, who is due to give birth in April, spoke out against his detention, calling it political and a violation of his rights. She is advocating for his freedom and criticized the administration for targeting other scholars supporting Palestinian rights.
Despite the trauma inflicted on Khalil and his family, the court’s decision to keep the case in New Jersey is seen as a step towards bringing him home. His legal team maintains that the allegations against him are meritless, and they are fighting for his right to stay in the U.S. and welcome their first child together.