NEW YORK (Flux Daily) — Mahmoud Khalil appeared Tuesday in a federal appeals court in Philadelphia as he challenges a deportation case initiated by President Trump's administration due to his pro-Palestinian activism while a student at Columbia University.
The session before the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals arose from efforts by the government to overturn a prior ruling that permitted Khalil's release from a Louisiana immigration facility in June.
Khalil's attorneys argue that the lower court's decision should be upheld, protecting him from being detained again and facing the deportation process.
Cited by the government, attorney Drew Ensign claimed that the lower court had exceeded its jurisdiction and insisted the matter should be resolved within the immigration court system in Louisiana.
“All of this is being conducted in an improper forum,” Ensign warned. “So that should be a full stop.”
Previously, an immigration judge found grounds for Khalil's deportation, a ruling currently under review by another appeal board.
As a legal U.S. resident and husband to an American citizen, Khalil has committed to pursuing advocacy for Palestinian rights while his legal proceedings are ongoing. Recently, a magistrate judge allowed him to travel nationwide for rallies and events.
“They want to make an example of me to intimidate those speaking out for Palestine across the country,” Khalil asserted following the hearing. “I’m stating unequivocally: I will continue my legal fight in federal courts for my rights, and for everyone’s right, to free speech.”
He notably became the first protester arrested under the Trump administration's extensive campaign aimed at deporting student activists, academics, and participants in pro-Palestinian demonstrations, which the government has equated with antisemitism.
Khalil has repeatedly denied any antisemitic motivations behind his activism.
