A federal judge in New York reportedly dealt the Trump administration a court loss Monday in its effort to deport a Palestinian activist and former graduate student at Columbia University who was arrested by immigration enforcement authorities over the weekend.
Mahmoud Khalil was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Sunday at his university-owned apartment. The Syrian native holds a U.S. green card and obtained a graduate degree from Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs in December 2024.
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Khalil played a major role in anti-Israel protests that rocked the university last year and served as a negotiator for students during campus protests, including the Gaza solidarity encampment.
The Department of Homeland Security said Khalil led activities aligned to Hamas, which has been designated a terrorist organization.
On Monday afternoon, Politico's Kyle Cheney reported on X that a federal judge blocked any effort by the Trump administration to deport Khalil until further proceedings play out.
Khalil's lawyers have asked for him to be returned to Manhattan, where his habeas petition was filed, noted Cheney. Khalil was reportedly being held at a detention facility in Jena, Louisiana.
