Judge demands evidence in Trump administration's effort to deport activist Mahmoud Khalil
- Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and legal U.S. resident, was arrested on March 8, 2025.
- The Trump administration claims his deportation is necessary to protect U.S. foreign policy interests.
- A judge has ordered the government to produce evidence, and Khalil's case raises important questions about free speech.
In Louisiana, immigration judge Jamee Comans granted the Trump administration a deadline to provide evidence justifying its deportation attempt against Mahmoud Khalil, a legal U.S. resident and pro-Palestinian activist arrested on March 8, 2025. The administration seeks to deport Khalil, claiming his presence poses a national security threat and could result in adverse foreign policy consequences. Khalil's lawyers have accused the government of baseless allegations and noted that no evidence has been provided. The case has gained attention as a test of First Amendment rights, raising concerns about the implications for free speech in the U.S. Khalil previously led protests at Columbia University opposing Israel's policies towards Palestinians and asserts that he is being targeted for his beliefs. The outcome of the hearing could have significant repercussions for civil liberties and the treatment of dissenters under U.S. immigration policy.