In a significant development, U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman ruled on Wednesday that Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student, must remain in the United States for the time being. However, the judge transferred Khalil’s legal challenge regarding the validity of his arrest to a New Jersey court. This decision came after Furman denied the Trump administration’s motion to dismiss the case but concurred with the Justice Department that he lacked jurisdiction, as Khalil was detained in New Jersey when his attorneys first challenged his arrest in New York.
Khalil’s case has become a focal point in President Donald Trump’s efforts to deport non-citizens involved in protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza. These protests have spread across U.S. college campuses, including Columbia, following the October 2023 attack by Hamas. The New Jersey court will now determine Khalil’s requests to declare his arrest unconstitutional and to secure bail or transfer. Khalil’s lawyers argue that his arrest infringes upon his First Amendment rights, as he was targeted for his role in advocating for Palestinian rights.
Khalil, a 30-year-old lawful permanent resident, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on March 8 outside his university residence in Manhattan. His lawyers claim that he was moved to Louisiana to avoid having the case heard in New York or New Jersey. Khalil’s wife, Noor Abdallah, a U.S. citizen, is eight months pregnant and unable to visit him due to her condition. Khalil’s legal team asserts that his detention is unlawful and that he should be allowed to return home to his family.
Khalil became a prominent figure in Columbia’s pro-Palestinian protest movement while pursuing a master’s degree in public administration. He entered the U.S. on a student visa in 2022 and obtained a green card last year. The Trump administration has cited a rarely used provision of the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act to justify Khalil’s deportation, claiming his presence could harm U.S. foreign policy. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that participating in “pro-Hamas events” contradicts U.S. foreign policy, though Khalil’s lawyers maintain he has no ties to Hamas and acted as a mediator during the protests.
In a letter from detention, Khalil described himself as a “political prisoner.” His case highlights broader concerns about immigration rights and free speech under the Trump administration. The administration’s actions have faced criticism from various groups, including faculty members from Columbia and Barnard, certain Jewish organizations, and advocates for immigrant rights.
Judge Furman’s decision to keep the case in New Jersey is significant, as any appeals would be heard by the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has a more balanced political composition compared to the 5th Circuit. The case raises important questions about the government’s authority to rescind lawful permanent residency and deport individuals based on their political activities. Khalil’s lawyers will continue to fight for his release and challenge the legality of his detention.
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