Mahmoud Khalil Challenges Deportation in Federal Court Amid Free Speech Debate

Wed Oct 22 2025 08:13:46 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Mahmoud Khalil appears in a Philadelphia federal appeals court to contest a deportation order linked to his pro-Palestinian activism at Columbia University. He asserts his right to free speech as the government seeks to overturn a previous ruling that granted his release from detention.

Mahmoud Khalil, a legal resident and pro-Palestinian activist, appeared in court to contest a deportation case initiated under the Trump administration. His legal team argues for the affirmation of a ruling that prevents his detention and deportation, while government attorneys claim the case should return to immigration court. Khalil vows to continue his activism, framing the government's actions as an infringement on free speech rights.

NEW YORK — Mahmoud Khalil appeared Tuesday in a federal appeals court in Philadelphia as part of his ongoing battle against a deportation order stemming from his pro-Palestinian activism at Columbia University. Khalil is challenging the actions of the Trump administration, which initiated the deportation case against him after he participated in protests advocating for Palestinian rights.

The hearing took place at the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, where the government is attempting to overturn a previous court ruling that had granted Khalil's release from a Louisiana immigration detention facility. This lower court order prevented federal authorities from detaining him again and pushing forward with the deportation process.

Khalil's attorneys urged the panel of three judges to uphold the district court's decision. In contrast, Drew Ensign, representing the government, argued that the lower court had exceeded its jurisdiction and stated that the matter should be handled by the immigration judge in Louisiana. All of this is being conducted in an improper forum, Ensign asserted.

A recent ruling by an immigration judge indicated that Khalil could be deported, but this decision is currently under review by a higher appeals board.

Khalil, who is married to a U.S. citizen and has maintained his legal residency, expressed his commitment to continue advocating for Palestinian rights, stating, They want to make an example of me to intimidate those speaking out for Palestine across the country. I will continue my legal fight in federal courts for my rights, and for everyone’s right to free speech. He was recently granted permission by a magistrate to travel for activism purposes.

This case has drawn significant attention as Khalil was among the first protesters arrested under efforts to deport student activists and academics linked to pro-Palestinian demonstrations, which have been controversially linked by some to allegations of antisemitism. Khalil has consistently rejected these accusations, fighting back against what he views as politically motivated attacks on free expression.