Palestinian Activist Mahmoud Khalil's Deportation Case Transferred to New Jersey Court

A federal judge has temporarily blocked Khalil's deportation as his legal team challenges the Trump administration's claims and detention practices.

Mahmoud Khalil, a lawful permanent U.S. resident and Columbia University graduate student, was arrested on March 8 by immigration agents and remains detained in Louisiana.
A federal judge ruled on March 19 to transfer Khalil's legal case to New Jersey, where he was first detained, while keeping the deportation block in place.
The Trump administration accuses Khalil of activities aligned with Hamas, though no evidence has been provided to substantiate these claims.
Khalil describes himself as a 'political prisoner' and argues his arrest is retaliation for his pro-Palestinian activism, raising concerns about free speech and due process.
The case has triggered nationwide protests and drawn criticism from civil rights groups, with activists condemning it as an attack on dissent and civil liberties.