Archive · 16 Jan 2026
Court Rules Against Pro-Palestinian Activist Khalil
A court decided that a judge couldn't order the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a student who was arrested for being part of pro-Palestinian protests.
The court said Khalil should make his case through a different legal process.
Khalil was first arrested in March and was released in June, but now the court's decision might mean he could be arrested again.
The Trump administration wanted to deport Khalil, making him the first target of a policy to deport foreign students involved in these protests.
A federal appeals court ruled that a judge lacked jurisdiction to order the release of pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil from immigration detention.
The court stated that Khalil's claims should be heard through an appeal of a final order of removal from an immigration judge.
Khalil, a Columbia University graduate, was arrested on March 8 and initially detained in New York before being moved to New Jersey.
He was temporarily released in June after a district judge ordered his release, but the recent ruling opens the door for his re-arrest.
President Donald Trump's administration targeted Khalil as part of a policy to deport foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests.
- Who
- Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate
- What
- A federal appeals court ruled that a judge had no jurisdiction to order Khalil's release from immigration detention
- When
- The ruling was made on January 15
- Where
- The case was heard by the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia
- Why
- The court stated that Khalil's claims should be heard through an appeal of a final order of removal from an immigration judge
- Activist Name
- Mahmoud Khalil
- Court
- 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals
- Judges
- Thomas Hardiman, Stephanos Bibas
- Activist's Status
- Graduate Student at Columbia University
- Initial Detention Date
- March 8
- Release Date
- June (temporary)
- Current Legal Status
- Case dismissed, potential for re-arrest