Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil’s case was transferred to New Jersey by a federal judge in a compromise rejecting his bid to keep it in Manhattan and the Justice Department’s attempt to move it to Louisiana. The judge ruled that Khalil had filed in the wrong district through no fault of his own, as he was detained in New Jersey when the petition was filed. Khalil, a green card holder, is facing possible deportation for his participation in campus protests against Israel’s war on Gaza and Columbia’s investment ties to Israel, although he has not been charged with any crimes.
Khalil was taken into custody by Homeland Security agents after returning to his Columbia-owned apartment from dinner with his wife. He was held in detention centers in New Jersey and Louisiana, with concerns about missing the birth of his first child. Khalil stated that he believes the Trump administration is targeting him as part of a strategy to suppress dissent and target individuals for their political beliefs.
The case has garnered attention due to concerns about freedom of speech and political activism being used as grounds for deportation. Khalil’s lawyers and the Justice Department have not commented on the case. Khalil remains in detention as the legal battle continues, with ongoing concerns about his ability to witness the birth of his child.
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