Newark, New Jersey — A U.S. District Court has ordered a temporary halt to the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and graduate student at Columbia University. This ruling, issued by Judge Michael Farbiarz, comes amid concerns over Khalil’s treatment following his vocal opposition to U.S. foreign policy in Gaza and his participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
Judge Farbiarz’s preliminary injunction, announced on Wednesday, prohibits government authorities from detaining or deporting Khalil based on claims that his actions jeopardize U.S. foreign policy interests. This decision targets assertions made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who cited a rarely used provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act to substantiate Khalil’s detention as serving “compelling U.S. foreign policy interests.”
In his opinion, Judge Farbiarz emphasized that Khalil has suffered “irreparable harm,” impacting his professional opportunities and chilling his right to free speech. Evidence presented in court indicated that the revocation of Khalil’s green card has already cost him a job offer with Oxfam International. Furthermore, it has dissuaded him from engaging in constitutionally protected protests.
Ramzi Kassem, co-director of the CLEAR legal clinic at the City University of New York, which is representing Khalil, expressed relief at the court’s ruling. He called for Khalil’s immediate release, maintaining that the government’s actions should not determine his fate solely based on remarks made by Rubio.
While this injunction poses a significant legal hurdle for the Trump administration’s agenda, Judge Farbiarz has delayed the implementation of the order, allowing the White House until Friday morning to appeal. There are concerns that immigration officials could pursue other, unrelated reasons to detain Khalil further, leaving his situation precarious.
Khalil, who became a legal permanent resident following his arrival in the U.S. in 2016, was taken into custody by federal agents on March 8, 2025. This arrest occurred within his university-connected apartment near Columbia’s campus, following a directive from the State Department intended to revoke his green card due to his activism against U.S. support for Israel.
Following his arrest, Khalil was transferred to a detention center in Elizabeth, New Jersey, before being moved to a facility in Jena, Louisiana—an over 1,400-mile journey that physically separated him from his legal counsel and support system. During his detention, Khalil missed the birth of his first child in April, an experience that has garnered widespread criticism.
The case reflects a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian activists, especially among students and faculty at Columbia University, amid a surge of protests following renewed conflict in Gaza. The Trump administration’s approach has raised alarms about the implications for free speech and democratic rights, particularly targeting those who oppose its foreign policy.
Khalil, originally from the Gaza Strip, came to the U.S. for educational opportunities after firsthand experiences with the conflict in his homeland. His advocacy for social justice and Palestinian rights at Columbia has made him a well-known figure on campus, notably as a leader in organizing opposition to U.S. military actions against Gaza.
Recent actions by the Trump administration have threatened to escalate the situation further, including potential federal funding cuts to institutions perceived as supportive of dissent against U.S. policy. As Khalil’s legal battle continues, many advocate for his freedom, linking it to a larger struggle against repression and the fight for justice and equality.
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