US Judge Temporarily Blocks Deportation of Palestinian Student
A US judge has temporarily blocked the deportation of a Palestinian graduate student at Columbia University who was arrested over the weekend after he led anti-Israel protests at the Ivy League campus.
Background
Mahmoud Khalil has been challenging his arrest in federal court, arguing it was an unlawful government retaliation for his "constitutionally protected peaceful advocacy", according to filings by his attorneys in New York federal court.
Arrest and Deportation
Khalil was arrested on March 8 at off-campus Columbia housing, even though he is a lawful permanent resident. US agents told him that his student visa and green card had been revoked by the state department. He has since been moved to a US immigration and customs enforcement processing centre in Jena, Louisiana.
Protests and Controversy
Columbia University was the site of prolonged student protests after the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, which killed 1,200 people. The US labels Hamas a terrorist organisation. Israel’s retaliation against Gaza and Hamas has killed more than 48,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Government Response
Yesterday, President Donald Trump posted on social media that "ICE proudly apprehended and detained Mahmoud Khalil, a Radical Foreign Pro-Hamas Student on the campus of Columbia University". He said it would be "the first of many to come". Green card holders aren’t typically arrested without a serious criminal offense. Revoking a green card is usually a prolonged process because the holder has been vetted and is on the path to being eligible to become a US citizen.
Reactions and Responses
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X: "We will be revoking the visas and/or green cards of Hamas supporters in America so they can be deported." Last week, the Trump administration cancelled $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia, citing antisemitism complaints by Jewish students amid pro-Palestinian protests.
Legal Action
One of Khalil’s lawyers, Amy Greer, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. After his arrest, she said in a statement: "We will vigorously be pursuing Mahmoud’s rights in court, and will continue our efforts to right this terrible and inexcusable – and calculated – wrong committed against him."
University Response
Columbia University issued a statement saying it would follow federal law. "Columbia is committed to complying with all legal obligations and supporting our student body and campus community," the university said. "We are also committed to the legal rights of our students and urge all members of the community to be respectful of those rights."
Conclusion
The case of Mahmoud Khalil highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding the treatment of Palestinian students and activists in the US. The decision to temporarily block his deportation is a significant victory for Khalil and his legal team, and will allow him to continue to fight for his rights in court.
FAQs
- What is the reason for Mahmoud Khalil’s arrest?
Khalil was arrested for leading anti-Israel protests at Columbia University. - What is the US government’s stance on Hamas?
The US labels Hamas a terrorist organisation. - What is the current status of Khalil’s case?
A US judge has temporarily blocked his deportation, allowing him to continue fighting for his rights in court. - What is the reaction of the Trump administration to the situation?
President Trump has posted on social media, stating that "ICE will be revoking the visas and/or green cards of Hamas supporters in America so they can be deported."