Politics · United States · 2 hrs ago
Mahmoud Khalil asks Supreme Court to review deportation case
Mahmoud Khalil has asked the US Supreme Court to review his immigration case and block a ruling that could lead to his re-arrest and deportation.
The 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals said immigration law requires his claims to be considered through immigration proceedings, rather than by a district court.
Khalil, a lawful permanent resident and former Columbia University graduate student, was arrested in March 2025 after taking part in pro-Palestinian campus activism.
He was released from detention in June 2025, but a court order still prevents his re-detention for now while the Supreme Court considers his request.
His lawyers say noncitizens should be able to challenge detention they believe is punishment for speech protected by the First Amendment.
If the appeals court ruling stands, Khalil could be deported to Algeria or Syria, though a separate appeal of his removal order is pending.
The case could clarify whether federal courts can hear such claims, and the Supreme Court’s decision on whether to take up the case is the next step.
Mahmoud Khalil has asked the US Supreme Court to review an appeals court ruling that could allow his re-arrest and deportation.
His lawyers argue that noncitizens should be able to challenge detention they say punishes speech protected by the First Amendment.
The 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Khalil’s detention should be addressed through immigration proceedings, not a federal district court.
Khalil is a lawful permanent US resident and former Columbia University graduate student who was arrested in March 2025 over his pro-Palestinian activism.
He could be deported to Algeria or Syria if the appeals court ruling stands, although an order barring his re-detention remains in place while the Supreme Court considers his case.
- Who
- Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and former Columbia University graduate student, filed the petition.
- What
- He asked the US Supreme Court to review a ruling that could allow his re-arrest and deportation.
- When
- Monday, October 19, 2026.
- Where
- The petition was filed with the US Supreme Court. The challenged ruling came from the 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia.
- Why
- His lawyers argue that noncitizens can challenge detention they say was imposed in retaliation for constitutionally protected speech.
Mahmoud Khalil and his lawyers
The Trump administration
Legal route
Mahmoud Khalil and his lawyers
Khalil’s lawyers say noncitizens should be able to bring cases alleging detention in retaliation for protected speech.
The Trump administration
The administration says immigration law bars a district court from ordering Khalil’s release.
Basis for removal
Mahmoud Khalil and his lawyers
Khalil’s lawyers challenge the legal basis for his detention and removal.
The Trump administration
The administration says it acted within its authority and has cited Khalil’s involvement in protests it said fostered a hostile environment for Jewish students.
Immigration agents arrested Khalil at his university residence in Manhattan.
Khalil was released from detention after a federal district judge ordered his release.
A 2-1 panel of the 3rd Circuit overturned the district judge’s decision.
The Board of Immigration Appeals rejected Khalil’s appeal and issued a final order of removal.
The 3rd Circuit declined by a six-to-five vote to reconsider the case.
Khalil’s lawyers asked the Supreme Court to review the appeals court ruling.
- Supreme Court petition
- Filed by Khalil’s lawyers on October 19, 2026
- Appeals court
- 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals, based in Philadelphia
- Arrest
- March 2025, at his university residence in Manhattan
- Possible destinations
- Algeria or Syria
- Release from detention
- June 2025, after a federal district judge ordered it
2 sources
What people are saying
If the Trump administration can punish someone for their pro-Palestine speech, this or any future administration can punish anyone for any speech.
If the Trump administration can punish someone for their pro-Palestine speech, this or any future administration can punish anyone for any speech.