Mahmoud Khalil calls for deportation to be halted in light of new evidence | Israel-Palestine conflict News
Legal Team for Mahmoud Khalil Seeks Appeal to Reopen Deportation Case
Attorneys representing Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student facing deportation due to his pro-Palestine advocacy, have urged an immigration appeals court to reopen and dismiss his case. This legal action follows a final order of removal issued by the Board of Immigration Appeals just over a month ago.
Khalil’s lawyers argue that new evidence, some revealed in media reports, suggests that the Trump Administration intentionally influenced the outcome of his immigration proceedings to set a precedent. They claim that Khalil has been unfairly targeted due to his political beliefs.
Johnny Sinodis, one of Khalil’s attorneys, stated that “apparent procedural abnormalities” further substantiate this assertion, asserting that the revelations of misconduct by the Department of Justice align with their position since Khalil’s arrest.
The recent evidence includes a New York Times report indicating that Khalil’s case had been prioritized before reaching the Board of Immigration Appeals, suggesting it was fast-tracked for expedited processing. The report also noted that the court was directed to treat Khalil as if he were still in custody, a status that typically accelerates case timelines.
Khalil, a U.S. permanent resident married to a U.S. citizen, was first detained in March 2025 due to his involvement in pro-Palestine protests that gained traction across U.S. campuses the previous year. He was released from immigration detention in June 2025 following a federal judge’s order, although an appeals court later ruled that the judge lacked jurisdiction in the matter. Khalil is currently appealing that decision, during which authorities are prohibited from re-detaining or deporting him.
The New York Times also found that three judges from the Board of Immigration Appeals recused themselves from Khalil’s case, a rare occurrence that remains unexplained.
The Board of Immigration Appeals is designed to operate independently but, like other immigration courts, functions under the Department of Justice. Critics argue that this oversight presents opportunities for political interference, in contrast to other federal courts within the judicial branch.
The Trump administration has characterized Khalil’s deportation as part of a broader effort to combat anti-Semitism, although no evidence has been presented to substantiate the claims against him, and he has never faced criminal charges. Additionally, The Intercept reported that shortly after his detention, the FBI closed an investigation into allegations that Khalil had advocated for violence, deeming it unworthy of further inquiry.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo invoked a seldom-used provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act to justify Khalil’s deportation, categorizing him as a national security threat based on his lawful beliefs and associations. This move has raised significant concerns regarding freedom of speech and the protections afforded to permanent residents.
Following these developments, Khalil expressed in a statement that the government aims to intimidate those advocating for Palestine. “No lies, corruption, or ideological persecution will stop me from advocating for Palestine and for everyone’s right to free speech,” he said.
Administration officials have maintained that Khalil received due process throughout the proceedings.
