Federal Judge Blocks Deportation of Mahmoud Khalil and Moves Case to New Jersey

The Columbia University student activist, detained over pro-Palestinian protests, remains in Louisiana as his legal team challenges the Trump administration's actions.

Mahmoud Khalil, a lawful U.S. permanent resident and Columbia University graduate student, was arrested on March 8 by federal immigration agents and is accused of ties to Hamas, though no evidence has been provided.
A federal judge has temporarily blocked Khalil's deportation and transferred his legal case to New Jersey, citing jurisdictional requirements.
Khalil has described himself as a 'political prisoner,' claiming his detention is retaliation for his pro-Palestinian activism and indicative of systemic anti-Palestinian racism in U.S. policies.
His arrest has sparked nationwide protests, with human rights groups and lawmakers condemning the detention as an attack on free speech and due process.
Khalil's legal team argues that his detention lacks justification, violates constitutional rights, and is part of a broader strategy to suppress political dissent.