Columbia University Activist Mahmoud Khalil Faces Deportation After Immigration Ruling

Jena, Louisiana – April 11, 2025

A Louisiana immigration judge ruled on Friday that Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate student at Columbia University, can be deported due to national security concerns, citing his involvement in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The ruling follows the U.S. government’s claim that Khalil’s presence in the country could lead to “potentially serious foreign policy consequences.”

Immigration Judge Jamee E. Comans concluded that the government provided sufficient evidence to support the deportation. Khalil’s legal team plans to appeal the decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals in the coming weeks, with attorney Marc Van Der Hout stating that “nothing is going to happen quickly.”

Khalil, a 30-year-old international affairs student, participated in protests at Columbia University against Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Despite not being accused of illegal activity during the protests, the government has argued that his involvement in such demonstrations poses a threat due to his perceived support for groups like Hamas.

The ruling has sparked widespread criticism, with Khalil’s supporters accusing the government of suppressing free speech. Federal judges have previously blocked deportation orders, but Khalil remains in detention at a facility in Jena, Louisiana, far from his family.

Khalil’s case is part of a broader crackdown on individuals associated with campus protests, including other critics of Israel’s policies. The situation highlights tensions over free speech and political activism in academic settings.