NEW YORK (Civitas.Global) — Mahmoud Khalil appeared in a federal appeals court in Philadelphia on Tuesday, continuing his legal challenge against deportation initiated by the Trump administration due to his pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University.
The recent hearing in front of the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals comes as federal authorities seek to overturn a previous court ruling that granted Khalil's release from detainment in a Louisiana immigration facility, where he was held earlier this year.
His attorneys have urged the three-judge panel to uphold the district court's decision, preventing Khalil from being detained again and starting the deportation process. Government attorney Drew Ensign argued that the lower court exceeded its authority and the matter should be resolved by an immigration judge.
Despite facing deportation, Khalil, a legal U.S. resident married to a citizen, is determined to continue his activism for the Palestinian cause. A magistrate judge recently permitted him to travel for events and rallies across the country.
In a statement following the hearing, Khalil expressed his commitment to fight back against the deportation, portraying his case as part of a broader effort to intimidate those advocating for Palestinian rights. He stated, They want to make an example of me to intimidate those speaking out for Palestine across the country. I will continue my legal fight in federal courts for my rights, and for everyone’s right, to free speech.”
Khalil is recognized as the first protester arrested in the Trump administration's extensive campaign against student activists and academics involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations, which the administration has labeled as antisemitic. Khalil has persistently denounced such allegations as unfounded.
