A tense courtroom scene in Louisiana: a young Palestinian American man in a suit stands beside his attorneys at a defense table, stacks of legal briefs labeled “foreign-policy statute” and “First Amendment” visible. The judge, elevated and impartial, holds a ruling that reads “Removable — proceedings limited.” In the background, a split-screen effect shows a quiet college campus with peaceful protest signs and a separate federal courthouse with a prominent “Stay of Removal” notice. Subtle visual cues—news headlines, legal documents, and calendars marked “April 23”—suggest ongoing legal motions and unresolved fate. The mood is serious, institutional, and procedural, with cool courtroom lighting
Summary
A Louisiana immigration judge ruled that Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian American permanent resident and former Columbia protest leader, is removable under a rarely used foreign-policy authority invoked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, despite no criminal allegations. The court limited proceedings to removability and deferred constitutional issues, denying defense efforts to seek broader evidence or depose Rubio for now, while allowing new motions by April 23. Khalil’s attorneys, supported by civil liberties groups, argue the case targets protected speech and due process, warning of a chilling effect on campus activism. Parallel federal litigation in New Jersey has temporarily barred his removal and is expected to tackle First Amendment and procedural claims more fully, leaving Khalil’s ultimate fate unresolved as the administration escalates actions against protest-linked students and scholars.
Key Points
- Judge finds Khalil removable under rarely used foreign-policy statute.
- No criminal allegations; case centers on speech, associations, and disclosure claims.
- Defense bids to depose Rubio and challenge constitutionality were curtailed.
- Federal court has stayed removal, with broader rights issues pending.
- Case reflects intensified government scrutiny of campus protest participants.