A federal judge in New York City has blocked the deportation of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, following his arrest by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Saturday.
Judge Jesse M. Furman ruled that Khalil should remain in the US “to preserve the court’s jurisdiction,” as the court considers a legal challenge to his arrest and planned deportation. A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday at the federal court in New York City.
Khalil, a graduate of Columbia University, was arrested over his involvement in organizing protests last spring related to the Israeli war on Gaza. US officials have accused Khalil of supporting Hamas, which they have designated a terrorist organization.
His detention follows the revocation of his student visa, but his attorney, Amy Greer, pointed out that Khalil is a permanent US resident with a green card, and ICE detained him anyway.
The arrest has sparked outrage, with hundreds of protesters rallying in New York City to demand Khalil’s release. The People’s Forum organized the demonstration at Federal Plaza, where demonstrators chanted "Free, Free Palestine" and held signs demanding his immediate release.
Protesters condemned the arrest as an attack on free speech and political activism, especially in light of President Donald Trump’s statement that Khalil’s arrest was “the first of many to come.”
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed the arrest was made in coordination with ICE and the State Department to support President Trump’s executive orders against anti-Semitism.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio later declared that the administration would revoke the visas and green cards of individuals supporting Hamas in the US, including Khalil.
However, critics argue that the real motive behind Khalil’s arrest is political repression aimed at silencing Palestinian solidarity movements. The ACLU of New York called the arrest a "gross violation" of Khalil’s First Amendment rights, while the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) labeled the decision "lawless."
Khalil’s wife, who is eight months pregnant, attempted to visit him but was told he was not at the facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where she was initially directed. Later, it was confirmed that Khalil is being held at an immigration detention facility in Jena, Louisiana.
Khalil’s lawyer, Greer, has filed a petition challenging the legality of his detention, insisting that his arrest is an unjust and politically motivated act.
The rally, which saw students from Columbia University and other local campuses participating, also brought attention to broader concerns over the targeting of pro-Palestinian activism in the US Many activists believe Khalil’s arrest is part of a larger effort to suppress dissent and limit the freedom of expression on US college campuses.
Donna Lieberman, Executive Director of the New York ACLU, demanded Khalil’s immediate release, stating, "Political speech should never be the basis for punishment, or lead to deportation." Khalil’s case is being viewed by many as a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for Palestinian rights and free speech in the US.
Columbia University, where Khalil studied, has expressed concern over the arrest, with President Katrina Armstrong acknowledging the "challenging" situation but reinforcing the university's commitment to supporting its students and adhering to legal obligations.
The case has raised critical questions about the limits of political expression, immigration law, and the targeting of activists advocating for Palestinian rights.
As Khalil’s legal battle continues, his supporters remain determined to secure his release and defend the broader right to protest and engage in political speech.
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