Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil will remain in an ICE detention facility in Louisiana following a court hearing on Wednesday (March 12). Khalil, a green card holder and recent Columbia University graduate, was arrested by federal immigration agents in New York City on Saturday. His arrest is linked to his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University last year.

During the hearing, U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman ruled that Khalil must remain in detention while his case is reviewed. Khalil's attorneys argued that his arrest was in retaliation for his advocacy for Palestinian rights and his exercise of free speech. They have filed a habeas corpus petition challenging the legality of his detention and are seeking his return to New York for his immigration proceedings.

The Trump administration, which has not charged Khalil with any crime, contends that his activism aligns with activities of Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. However, no evidence has been provided to support these claims. The administration is also attempting to move the case to New Jersey or Louisiana, arguing that New York is not the proper venue for the petition.

Khalil's wife, a U.S. citizen who is eight months pregnant, expressed her distress over his detention, stating that he was taken from their home without a warrant. The case has sparked protests and drawn attention to concerns over free speech and the use of immigration law to target activists. The court has temporarily blocked Khalil's deportation while the legal challenge is ongoing.

The future of Khalil's immigration status will be determined in a separate process in front of an immigration judge. His legal team, which includes the American Civil Liberties Union and the New York Civil Liberties Union, plans to file additional briefs addressing the legality of his detention and the venue dispute.

Ed Lambert