- An immigration judge in Louisiana ordered the federal government to produce evidence supporting the deportation of Columbia graduate student Mahmoud Khalil. Authorities alleged Khalil, a legal permanent resident, failed to disclose affiliations that pose potential foreign policy risks.
- Judge Jamee Comans gave the Department of Homeland Security until Wednesday evening, April 9, to justify Khalil’s removal or risk having the case dismissed.
- Khalil’s lawyer argued that the government has provided no evidence and that the timeline limits his ability to respond to the civil allegations.
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Federal immigration authorities arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident and Columbia University graduate student, on March 8. He was first held in New Jersey and then transferred to an ICE detention facility in Jena, Louisiana.
According to a Notice to Appear filed by the Department of Homeland Security, Khalil is accused of concealing affiliations and posing a potential threat to U.S. foreign policy.
What are the government’s allegations?
DHS alleged Khalil omitted information about his prior involvement with a pro-Palestinian student group and his past employment with a United Nations relief agency.
Officials claimed he failed to disclose those ties on his 2024 green card application. The department also cited Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s determination — reported by NPR — that Khalil’s presence in the U.S. could trigger serious consequences for foreign policy. All allegations are civil, not criminal.
On Tuesday, April 8, immigration judge Jamee Comans gave DHS until Wednesday evening, April 9, to produce supporting evidence. If the government fails to provide documentation or cannot justify its claims, Comans said she will terminate the case.
A follow-up hearing is set for Friday, April 11.
How has Khalil’s legal team responded?
Despite repeated requests, Khalil’s attorney, Marc Van Der Hout, said DHS has yet to provide any evidence supporting the claims. He also criticized the court’s timeline, arguing that a Friday ruling would deprive Khalil of due process.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Van Der Hout denied all 12 allegations on Khalil’s behalf.
What happened during Tuesday’s hearing?
The hearing at the ICE facility in Louisiana drew widespread attention. Nearly 600 people tried to join the virtual session, which was restricted to legal participants.
Khalil appeared in a blue jumpsuit and was granted a request for his wife — due to give birth in the coming weeks — to view the proceedings remotely.
What is the broader significance of this case?
Khalil’s detention has sparked national debate over free speech, immigration enforcement and pro-Palestinian activism. As reported by ABC News and NPR, the Trump administration has pledged to deport noncitizens it claims support terrorism.
Khalil’s legal team argued the case targets political speech and violates constitutional protections. His parallel legal challenge in U.S. District Court in New Jersey remains ongoing.
