In a significant legal development, a federal judge has ordered the transfer of Mahmoud Khalil’s immigration case from New York to New Jersey. Khalil, a 30-year-old Palestinian activist and recent Columbia University graduate, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on March 8, 2025, following his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests on campus.
Khalil, a lawful permanent resident of the United States, was detained at his university-owned apartment in Manhattan. ICE agents initially cited the revocation of his student visa as the reason for his arrest; upon learning of his green card status, they claimed it had also been revoked. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) alleges that Khalil led activities aligned with Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, though specific charges have not been disclosed.
Following his arrest, Khalil was moved between detention facilities, initially held in New Jersey before being transferred to Louisiana. His legal team filed a petition challenging his detention, leading to a temporary block on his deportation. On March 19, 2025, Judge Jesse Furman of the Southern District of New York ruled that the case should be heard in New Jersey, where Khalil was first detained, rejecting the Trump administration’s request to transfer the case to Louisiana.
Khalil’s arrest has sparked widespread debate and concern. Supporters view his detention as a violation of free speech and a targeted action against pro-Palestinian activism. Civil liberties organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), have criticized the arrest, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent for the treatment of lawful permanent residents engaging in political activism.
Conversely, the Trump administration defends the arrest, citing national security concerns and alleging Khalil’s connections to Hamas. This case is seen as part of a broader effort by the administration to crack down on campus activities perceived as anti-Semitic or supportive of terrorist organizations.
The incident has had a chilling effect on the international student community at Columbia University. Many students now fear that participation in political protests could lead to visa revocations or deportation. The university’s response has been criticized as insufficient, with calls for more robust protections for students’ rights to free speech and political expression.
With the case now transferred to New Jersey, Khalil’s legal team is seeking his release from detention and aims to block any deportation efforts. They argue that his arrest and detention are unlawful and retaliatory, targeting him for his political beliefs and activism. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the rights of lawful permanent residents and the boundaries of political expression in the United States.
Sources:
- AP News – Mahmoud Khalil’s Case Moved to New Jersey
- Politico – Federal Judge Rules Khalil’s Case to be Heard in New Jersey
- ACLU – Court Rules Mahmoud Khalil’s Lawsuit Should Move Forward
- The Guardian – Columbia University Students Fear Political Crackdown
