Federal immigration officials have acknowledged that Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University activist and lawful permanent U.S. resident, was detained in March without a warrant. The admission surfaced during recent court proceedings, intensifying criticism of the Trump administration’s handling of student protesters.
Khalil, who was born in Syria and later secured a green card, was apprehended outside his residence in Manhattan by ICE agents. Officials claimed they acted under “urgent circumstances,” believing Khalil could evade arrest if they waited for a judicial warrant.
Khalil’s attorneys strongly challenged this assertion, maintaining that he fully complied with authorities during the incident. They emphasized that no evidence, sworn or otherwise, has been presented to show Khalil attempted to flee.
The arrest came amid Khalil’s involvement in pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University, which have been closely monitored by the federal government. After his detention, Khalil was transferred to a facility in Louisiana, where he remains in custody. ICE later refused his request for temporary release to attend the birth of his child.
Although Khalil has not been charged with a crime, the Trump administration is moving to deport him. Officials argue that Khalil omitted critical information during his immigration process and that his presence is detrimental to U.S. foreign relations, based on a finding by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Khalil’s legal team disputes both claims, calling the proceedings politically motivated.
An immigration judge ruled earlier this month that deportation efforts could continue, citing the Secretary of State’s authority to make foreign policy determinations. The court postponed ruling on the allegations of immigration fraud.
In parallel, Khalil’s legal representatives have filed a separate lawsuit in New Jersey’s federal court, seeking to challenge the legality of his arrest and detention. They are asking the court to free Khalil, invalidate the Secretary’s determination, and prohibit targeting noncitizens for engaging in pro-Palestinian advocacy.
Civil liberties organizations have condemned the case as part of a broader campaign to suppress political speech on college campuses. Khalil’s situation has since become emblematic of the tensions between immigration enforcement and First Amendment protections in the United States.
