Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate, is asking the Supreme Court to block a ruling that could lead to his re-arrest and deportation following his pro-Palestinian activism.
Key facts
- •Mahmoud Khalil is a lawful permanent resident and Columbia University graduate.
- •He was arrested in March 2025 and released in June 2025 by order of US District Judge Michael Farbiarz.
- •The 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that district courts lack jurisdiction to hear Khalil's challenge to his detention.
- •Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited Khalil's involvement in 2024 protests at Columbia as grounds for his removal.
- •Khalil's wife and 1-year-old son are both US citizens.
Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and Palestinian activist, has petitioned the US Supreme Court to overturn an appeals court ruling that allows for his potential re-arrest and deportation. Khalil, an Algerian citizen born in a Syrian refugee camp, was previously detained by ICE in March 2025 before being released by a district court judge in June 2025. His legal team argues that immigration law should not prevent noncitizens from challenging detentions they claim are based on protected speech.
Legal Background and Appeals
The case centers on a 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals decision that overturned a lower-court order for Khalil's release. The appeals court ruled that federal immigration law requires such challenges to be handled through the immigration court system rather than by district court judges. Khalil’s lawyers contend that the Supreme Court must clarify whether the government can use immigration detention to punish speech protected by the First Amendment. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously deemed Khalil removable under the Immigration and Nationality Act, citing his participation in 2024 protests at Columbia University. A separate appeal regarding the immigration judge's removal order remains pending, and a lower court order currently prevents his re-detention while the Supreme Court considers the case.
Context of the Detention
Khalil was arrested in March 2025 at his Manhattan university residence despite holding lawful permanent resident status. He is a prominent figure in pro-Palestinian protests regarding the war in Gaza. The Department of Homeland Security maintains that the administration acted within its authority and has encouraged Khalil to self-deport. The Supreme Court is also currently considering a separate case involving Georgetown University scholar Badar Khan Suri, who was also detained by ICE for pro-Palestinian advocacy.
Timeline
- 2024Mahmoud Khalil participated in protests at Columbia University.
- March 2025Immigration agents arrested Khalil at his university residence in Manhattan.
- April 2025The Board of Immigration Appeals rejected Khalil's challenge to a removal order.
- June 2025Khalil was released from a Louisiana detention center following a court order.
- January 2026A 3rd Circuit panel overturned the district court's decision to release Khalil.
- October 19, 2026Khalil asked the US Supreme Court to overturn the appeals court ruling.
Advertisement
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Al-Monitor.
