A federal judge has temporarily halted the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate student, following his arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Khalil, a lawful permanent resident married to a U.S. citizen, was detained on March 8, 2025, at his residence in New York City. His arrest is linked to his involvement in campus protests concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The case has sparked widespread protests, with activists condemning the detention as a violation of free speech. Civil rights groups, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), have called for Khalil’s immediate release, arguing that he has no criminal record and is being targeted for his political activism.
Khalil’s legal team has filed a habeas corpus petition, leading to a court order temporarily blocking his deportation. A hearing is set for March 12, 2025, as the case gains national attention in debates over immigration enforcement and First Amendment rights.
