Judge to Decide Mahmoud Khalil's Deportation Status Friday

Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and lawful permanent resident, is facing deportation after being detained by ICE agents in March for his involvement in pro-Palestine protests. A Louisiana judge, Jamee Comans, has ordered the government to present evidence justifying his continued detention by Wednesday, with a ruling expected on Friday regarding his release or removal. Khalil's legal team has argued that his arrest violated his free speech rights and that there is no evidence supporting claims that he poses a national security threat. The case highlights broader concerns about the targeting of international students, particularly those advocating for Palestine, and the intersection of immigration enforcement with political dissent. Supporters have mobilized in protest of Khalil's detention, linking it to a larger pattern of repression affecting Muslim and non-white students across the U.S. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for similar deportation cases involving activists.