The Board of Immigration Appeals has formally denied Mahmoud Khalil's latest bid to dismiss his deportation case, a largely anticipated ruling that pushes the former Columbia University graduate student and Palestinian activist closer to re-arrest and possible expulsion from the United States.
Final Removal Order Issued Amid Legal Battles
According to Khalil's legal representatives, the Board of Immigration Appeals issued the final order of removal on Thursday. The board's rulings are not publicly accessible, and an inquiry directed to the U.S. Department of Justice has not received an immediate response.
Khalil expressed no surprise at the decision, which he characterized as "biased and politically motivated." His attorneys have argued that he cannot be lawfully detained or deported while he continues to pursue a separate case within the federal court system.
Activist Claims Immigration System Weaponized
"The only thing I am guilty of is speaking out against the genocide in Palestine — and this administration has weaponized the immigration system to punish me for it," Khalil stated in an official release.
The Board of Immigration Appeals establishes precedent within the complex immigration court framework, which operates under the control of the Department of Justice. Observers note this system is increasingly influenced by the current presidential administration.
Background of the Case and Federal Crackdown
Khalil, a 31-year-old legal permanent resident, became the first individual whose arrest was publicly disclosed during the federal crackdown targeting noncitizens who have openly criticized Israel and its military operations in Gaza.
Federal authorities have asserted that Khalil's leadership in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University was "aligned to Hamas." However, no evidence has been presented to substantiate any connection to the designated terrorist organization, and Khalil has vehemently denied all allegations of antisemitism.
Previous Detention and Legal Setbacks
Following his arrest in March of last year, Khalil spent 104 days in an immigration detention facility, missing the birth of his first child, before a federal judge in New Jersey ordered his release.
Earlier this year, Khalil encountered a significant legal setback in his federal case. A U.S. appeals panel ruled, in a 2-1 decision, that the New Jersey judge overstepped judicial authority by releasing him. The panel determined that existing law requires the case to proceed fully through the immigration courts before Khalil can mount a challenge in the federal court system.
Ongoing Legal Maneuvers and Personal Risks
Khalil's legal team is now requesting the full appeals panel reconsider this decision. Earlier this month, they petitioned for one of the appellate panel's judges to recuse himself due to his prior role as a senior Justice Department official involved in investigations of student protesters.
Born in Syria to a Palestinian family and holding Algerian citizenship through a distant relative, Khalil has repeatedly stated that he could face targeting, or even death, if deported from the United States.
The case continues to highlight the intersection of immigration enforcement, free speech, and international political advocacy within the U.S. legal system.
