Algerian-Palestinian Activist Mahmoud Khalil Faces Imminent Deportation from United States
Mahmoud Khalil, an Algerian-Palestinian activist and former Columbia University graduate student, is confronting imminent deportation from the United States after enduring more than a year of intense legal battles. Khalil, who holds permanent resident status in the U.S. and Algerian citizenship through family connections, gained prominence for his vocal campus activism and criticism of Israeli policies, particularly during the Gaza war.
Arrest and Detention in Louisiana
On March 8, 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested Khalil outside his Manhattan residence. He was subsequently transferred to a detention center in Louisiana, where he remained incarcerated for over 100 days. The U.S. government argued that his activism constituted a threat to American foreign policy interests, while Khalil steadfastly maintained his innocence, asserting he had committed no wrongdoing.
Legal Proceedings and Judicial Rulings
In June 2025, a federal judge ordered Khalil's release from detention, determining he was neither a flight risk nor a danger to the community. However, in September 2025, an immigration judge ruled that Khalil could be deported to Algeria or Syria, citing alleged misrepresentation on his green card application. Khalil promptly appealed this decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals, and his legal team filed lawsuits contending that his detention and potential removal violated his constitutional rights.
Appeals Court Reversal and Deportation Order
On January 15, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals reversed the earlier ruling that had freed Khalil. The court stated that the lower court lacked jurisdiction to order his release, thereby allowing immigration proceedings to proceed. Following this decision, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that Khalil is set to be re-arrested and deported, most likely to Algeria.
Role in Columbia University Protests
Khalil played a pivotal role as a lead negotiator and visible spokesperson for the Gaza Solidarity Encampment and broader pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University during the spring of 2024. These demonstrations called for a ceasefire in the Gaza war and divestment from Israel. He regularly engaged with news media, negotiated with university administrators on behalf of protesters, and actively participated at the forefront of encampment actions.
His case highlights ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and activist movements in the United States, raising questions about the intersection of free speech, foreign policy, and legal residency rights.
