US Court Sides with Trump in Deportation Case Against Palestinian Activist
A federal appeals court has ruled that a Palestinian activist detained by US authorities last year can be deported, handing a significant victory to the administration of President Donald Trump.
Mahmoud Khalil, a Syrian-born Algerian citizen who is married to a US citizen and holds lawfully permanent resident status, had challenged his detention through a habeas corpus petition. The appeals panel concluded that only immigration courts have jurisdiction over his case, effectively dismissing Khalil's claim for federal court review.
The ruling may allow for Khalil's re-arrest, as he missed the birth of his first child while detained by immigration authorities last year. However, the decision does not go into effect immediately, and Khalil has stated plans to appeal.
Critics argue that Trump's campaign to deport pro-Palestine students based on their criticism of Israel is a threat to US free speech rights and constitutional protections. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the ruling, stating that it constitutes "a chilling act of political repression" that undermines the city's constitutional rights.
Khalil's case was part of a broader effort by Trump's administration to target critics of Israel for deportation. The appeals panel's decision could set a precedent for other pro-Palestine activists facing similar challenges.
Advocates are already planning to appeal, with the New York Civil Liberties Union stating that the ruling "undermines the role federal courts must play in preventing flagrant constitutional violations." Khalil's lawyer has vowed to continue pursuing all available legal options to ensure his client's rights are protected.
A federal appeals court has ruled that a Palestinian activist detained by US authorities last year can be deported, handing a significant victory to the administration of President Donald Trump.
Mahmoud Khalil, a Syrian-born Algerian citizen who is married to a US citizen and holds lawfully permanent resident status, had challenged his detention through a habeas corpus petition. The appeals panel concluded that only immigration courts have jurisdiction over his case, effectively dismissing Khalil's claim for federal court review.
The ruling may allow for Khalil's re-arrest, as he missed the birth of his first child while detained by immigration authorities last year. However, the decision does not go into effect immediately, and Khalil has stated plans to appeal.
Critics argue that Trump's campaign to deport pro-Palestine students based on their criticism of Israel is a threat to US free speech rights and constitutional protections. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the ruling, stating that it constitutes "a chilling act of political repression" that undermines the city's constitutional rights.
Khalil's case was part of a broader effort by Trump's administration to target critics of Israel for deportation. The appeals panel's decision could set a precedent for other pro-Palestine activists facing similar challenges.
Advocates are already planning to appeal, with the New York Civil Liberties Union stating that the ruling "undermines the role federal courts must play in preventing flagrant constitutional violations." Khalil's lawyer has vowed to continue pursuing all available legal options to ensure his client's rights are protected.
just heard about this and I'm so upset, Trump's admin is literally targeting ppl for their opinions on Palestine 
! This ruling is a huge setback for free speech & constitutional protections in the US 
. What's next? deporting activists who speak out against climate change or racism? 
Khalil's case is a perfect example of how Trump's policies are causing harm to innocent ppl & undermining democracy 
. We need to stand with him and support his right to live in the US without fear of deportation 
! #JusticeForKhalil #FreeSpeechMatters #NoToDeportation
this court decision is straight fire 
- basically, the US government can deport anyone they want for saying something critical about Israel, no matter how lawful their resident status is... like, what even is that? 
and now pro-Palestine activists are just chillin' thinking they're safe from deportation just because it's "politics" - newsflash: politics ISN'T above the law, fam 
i dont understand why they cant just leave ppl alone if they're critiquing israel... doesnt that kinda defeat the whole free speech thing? 
its like, what happened to compassion and empathy? 
i need some info on how i can help mahmoud khalil, is there a charity or something that can support ppl like him? 
they cant just deport ppl cuz of their opinions 
As a US citizen, I think it's essential to protect free speech and expression, especially when it comes to opinions on sensitive topics like Palestine. This ruling feels like it's more about suppressing dissenting voices rather than upholding the law 
and what really gets me is that trump's team is trying to silence ppl like khalil who are just trying to make a difference. it's like, hello, isn't that what america's all about? 
... free speech is not optional, its a fundamental right... i dont care if khalil has green card or 2 kids with a us citizen, he shouldnt be in danger of deportation just for expressing his opinions 
the appeals panel is just following trump's agenda without looking at the bigger picture meanwhile Khalil was missing out on his first child detention is so harsh why cant they see how this affects a person's life and not just focus on politics 