International students protesting Israel risk deportation in U.S
Trump administration rounds up international students who joined campus protests against Israel and Gaza genocide
NEW YORK, United States (MNTV) – The deportation case of a Columbia University protest leader fuels debate over free speech and immigration laws in the U.S.
A federal judge in New York is set to deliberate on a critical case involving Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent figure in last year’s Gaza solidarity protests at Columbia University.
Khalil, a legal permanent U.S. resident, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and now faces deportation—despite not being charged with a crime.
According to the administration, Khalil’s involvement in pro-Palestinian protests equates to antisemitism and support for terrorism, making him subject to deportation. However, legal experts argue that the First Amendment protects his right to protest, regardless of citizenship status.
Khalil, an Algerian citizen of Palestinian origin, was taken into custody at his university residence in New York. The arrest followed President Donald Trump’s policy of revoking visas and deporting international students involved in protests deemed supportive of Hamas, a group the U.S. classifies as a terrorist organization.
His lawyer, Amy Greer, stated that ICE agents initially justified the arrest by citing the revocation of his student visa. However, when informed that Khalil held a green card, they claimed they were revoking that status as well. Greer noted that authorities have not provided details on any specific crimes Khalil may have committed.
His detention in an immigration facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey, has left his wife, a U.S. citizen who is eight months pregnant, in distress.
Legal experts say Khalil’s case could set a dangerous precedent for green card holders exercising their right to protest.
Under immigration law, a green card can only be revoked through legal proceedings, typically in cases of fraud or serious criminal activity. However, broad anti-terrorism laws give the government sweeping powers to detain and deport noncitizens.
“The government is sending a chilling message,” said Jason Dzubow, an immigration attorney in Washington, D.C. “They are pushing the boundaries of what constitutes ‘support’ for a terrorist organization.”
A civil court judge, rather than a criminal court, will determine Khalil’s fate. Unlike criminal defendants, detainees in immigration proceedings do not have the right to a government-appointed attorney, making legal defense more challenging.
For now, District Judge Jesse Furman has ordered that Khalil cannot be deported until the court rules on his habeas corpus challenge.
The outcome of his case could have lasting implications for the rights of green card holders and the future of campus activism in the United States.
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