US Judge Rules Trump Can Deport Mahmoud Khalil Over “Antisemitism” Allegations

Louisiana (Quds News Network)- A U.S. immigration judge ruled Friday that the Trump administration can move forward with the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and graduate student at Columbia University, over his anti-genocide activism.

Judge Jamee Comans made the decision during a hearing at a Louisiana immigration court. She said she had no authority to challenge a deportation order issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Rubio claimed Khalil’s activism—including pro-Palestine protests—posed a threat to U.S. foreign policy. He labeled the demonstrations “antisemitic” and “disruptive.”

Khalil, 30, was detained in New York on March 8 and transferred to a remote detention center in Louisiana. He holds Algerian citizenship, was born in a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria, and received U.S. permanent residency last year.

Rubio based the deportation order on a Cold War-era law from 1952 that gives the Secretary of State wide authority to expel non-citizens.

Khalil has not been charged with any crime. His lawyers argue the move is a political attack on free speech protected under the First Amendment.

“He’s being punished for expressing support for Palestine,” said attorney Marc Van Der Hout. “This case sets a dangerous precedent.”

A separate federal court in New Jersey has temporarily halted the deportation. The judge there is reviewing whether Khalil’s arrest violated his constitutional rights.

Khalil remains in detention. His legal team has until April 23 to request a stay. If denied, he could be deported to Algeria or Syria.

Khalil was detained over his anti-genocide activism on campus. Since October 7, 2023, Israel has been carrying out genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza. Israel has killed and injured over 160,000 civilians, most of them are women and children.