Louisiana Court Approves Deportation of Pro-Palestinian Activist Machmud Chalil

Chalil's legal team plans to challenge the ruling, which critics warn could set a precedent for suppressing political dissent.

A Louisiana court has authorized the deportation of Machmud Chalil under a rarely used regulation citing threats to U.S. foreign policy interests.
Chalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate, was arrested in New York in March 2025 and transferred to a detention facility in Louisiana.
The U.S. government accuses Chalil of promoting antisemitic views, supporting Hamas, and organizing disruptive protests, allegations his attorneys deny.
Critics argue the case could establish a troubling precedent for targeting political dissent using vague accusations.
Chalil's attorneys have announced plans to immediately appeal the decision, emphasizing concerns about constitutional protections and free speech.