Fri Apr 11 20:08:20 UTC 2025: ## US Judge Allows Deportation Case to Proceed Against Pro-Palestine Activist

**Jena, Louisiana** – A US immigration judge has ruled that deportation proceedings can continue against Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and US permanent resident, sparking outrage among rights advocates who accuse the Trump administration of targeting pro-Palestine activism.

Judge Jamee Comans’ decision on Friday follows a nearly two-hour hearing. The ruling allows the government to pursue the deportation of Khalil, who was detained in March for his involvement in pro-Palestine protests at the university. Khalil’s lawyers plan to appeal the decision.

The government’s case rests on a rarely used provision of immigration law allowing the Secretary of State to deport non-citizens deemed to have “adverse foreign policy consequences.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited Khalil’s participation in what he termed “antisemitic protests and disruptive activities,” claiming these created a hostile environment for Jewish students. Crucially, Rubio’s letter did not allege any criminal activity by Khalil.

Khalil’s supporters vehemently deny the accusations, stating his activism was peaceful and focused on protesting Columbia University’s ties to the Israeli military. They argue the administration’s actions represent a dangerous crackdown on free speech and pro-Palestine advocacy.

Baher Azmy, legal director of the Center for Constitutional Rights, described the Secretary of State’s justification as a “tacky, Soviet-style diktat.”

Khalil himself, speaking at the hearing, highlighted the lack of due process and fairness in the proceedings, emphasizing the distance from his family and the impact of his detention on his pregnant wife, a US citizen. He was arrested in March and subsequently transferred between detention facilities without notification to his family or legal counsel. The case continues to draw significant attention and criticism for its implications on free speech and the targeting of political activism.

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