NEW YORK (AP) — Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia University graduate student whose detention has ignited protests, will remain detained at an immigration facility in Louisiana for at least another week as legal battles continue over his planned deportation. Khalil, arrested on March 8, 2025, has been the focus of attention due to his role as an activist advocating for Palestinian rights, particularly during the recent Israel-Hamas conflict.
On March 12, 2025, during a brief court hearing, U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman ruled against immediate deportation, allowing Khalil to speak with his lawyers as they prepare to contest the Trump administration’s decision. This ruling came after a surge of demonstrators gathered outside the Manhattan federal courthouse, voicing their support for Khalil and denouncing his detention.
“This is not just about Mahmoud; it’s about the freedom of speech and the rights of all Americans to express their views without fear of retaliation,” asserted Ramzi Kassem, one of Khalil's attorneys, following the hearing.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Khalil is facing deportation because Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined his presence was incompatible with U.S. foreign policy—an assertion Khalil’s legal team vehemently disputes.
“Mr. Khalil was identified, targeted, detained and is being processed for deportation on account of his advocacy for Palestinian rights,” Kassem told reporters. His arrest allegedly stems from Khalil’s outspoken criticism of Israel's actions during the Gaza conflict and his participation in on-campus protests.
Many at the hearing wore keffiyehs, traditional Arab headdresses often associated with Palestinian identity, and expressed their outrage at what they viewed as governmental overreach aimed at silencing dissent. Susan Sarandon, the Academy Award-winning actress, emerged from the courthouse to address reporters, emphasizing the importance of freedom of speech. “No matter where you stand on genocide, freedom of speech is a right we all have. This is about far more than Mahmoud Khalil,” she stated.
Khalil's predicament has brought to light the intersection of immigration policies and First Amendment rights. His legal representation argues the case reflects wider attempts to suppress pro-Palestinian activism across U.S. higher education institutions, particularly under the Trump administration.
“The legal rationale used to detain Khalil is vague and rarely invoked,” Kassem added. “It seems to mask the real agenda of retaliation against dissent.” Khalil, who completed his master's degree last December, has not been charged with any crime and asserts his actions only sought to advocate for Palestinian human rights.
Despite these claims, the Trump administration has taken Khalil’s case as part of its broader stance against what it describes as “pro-terrorist” sentiments on college campuses. President Trump stated during his remarks on March 10, 2025, “We will deport individuals who engage in anti-American activities.” This remark has spurred concerns over the chilling effect such deportations could have on free speech.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated this position, claiming, “Khalil took advantage of the privilege of studying at one of our finest universities by siding with terrorists.” This statement, along with accusations of distributing pro-Hamas flyers, fueled the narrative supporting his deportation.
Khalil's situation highlights the tension between national security claims and the constitutional right to freedom of speech. Critics argue the administration's actions may set precarious precedents, especially for foreign students engaging in political discourse. Khalil’s lawyers contend his detention directly contravenes the First Amendment, intended to protect citizens and residents alike from governmental censorship based on political beliefs.
The case so far has been marked by public rallies, including hundreds gathered at Foley Square on the day of the hearing to demand Khalil's release. Many of these demonstrators expressed fears about the future of civil liberties not only for Khalil but for all activists standing against perceived injustices.
Current discussions involve not just Khalil’s deportation but also where his legal battle will be fought, as the government seeks to shift proceedings from New York to New Jersey or Louisiana. This proposed change has been met with resistance from Khalil’s legal team, who argue it would hinder access to legal representation.
For now, Khalil remains detained, awaiting both legal proceedings and the birth of his first child with his wife, Noor Abdalla, who describes her husband as her “rock.” Noor, currently eight months pregnant, expressed despair and confusion over the lack of communication and the impact of Khalil’s arrest on their family.
“Instead of preparing for the arrival of our baby, I am left sitting alone wondering when I will hear from my husband again,” she lamented. Khalil’s legal team is expected to continue pushing for his release and to challenge what they see as the retaliatory nature of his detention.
While Khalil’s case attracts national attention, it is emblematic of the larger climate of fear many activists face, as tensions escalate between governmental authority and academic freedom. The outcome of this legal battle could set significant precedent for how political dissent is treated under U.S. immigration law.