NEW YORK, NY – The federal government is facing a deadline set by an immigration judge to present evidence in the case of Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil. The government submitted a two-page memo signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, asserting the Trump administration’s authority to deport noncitizens who are believed to damage U.S. foreign policy interests, without accusing Khalil of any criminal activities. The memo states that expelling Khalil would align with U.S. efforts to combat anti-Semitism both domestically and internationally.
Khalil, a legal U.S. resident and graduate student, has been actively involved in campus activism advocating for Palestinian rights and protesting Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. The government’s memo sparked outrage among Khalil’s supporters and legal team, who argue that the administration is targeting Khalil’s free speech rights.
Following an order from Judge Jamee Comans, the government submitted the memo in response to demands for evidence against Khalil. The attorneys representing Khalil have expressed frustration over the lack of substantial proof to support the government’s case. Despite being detained in Louisiana since his arrest on March 8, Khalil maintains his innocence and continues to deny allegations of anti-Semitism.
Khalil’s case is part of a broader pattern observed by critics, who believe the Trump administration is using immigration policies to silence dissent and suppress activism. The administration’s actions against Khalil are seen as a form of intimidation to stifle voices advocating for Palestinian rights.
The memo points to additional undisclosed documents related to Khalil, but those have not been presented in court. Khalil’s lawyers are pushing back against the government’s attempts to deport him, highlighting the lack of concrete evidence and connecting it to a larger crackdown on free speech on college campuses.
The government’s decision to target Khalil, along with other lawful permanent residents, has raised concerns about the administration’s approach to immigration and its impact on individuals exercising their right to free speech. As Khalil awaits the resolution of his case, the debate surrounding his deportation underscores broader issues related to freedom of expression and political activism in the United States.