Legal Team of Mahmoud Khalil Gains Additional Time to Prepare Immigration Defense

Legal Team of Mahmoud Khalil Gains Additional Time to Prepare Immigration Defense

A judge has granted more time to the legal team of Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil to review his immigration case. This decision came during a hearing held in Louisiana on Friday.

Khalil, a 30-year-old green card holder married to a U.S. citizen, finds himself facing possible deportation. His legal troubles began after he was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials on March 8, primarily due to his alleged support for Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization. It is important to note that he has not been formally charged with any crime.

Judge’s Ruling Delays Proceedings

The hearing took place at the Lasalle Immigration Court in Jena, where the presiding judge expressed her belief that Khalil deserves more time to adequately prepare his defense. She decided to postpone further proceedings until April 8, a decision welcomed by Khalil’s legal representatives.

Initially, a lawyer representing the Department of Homeland Security raised objections, citing that Khalil was being held at the government’s expense. However, Khalil’s attorney contended that the charges against him are grave. They emphasized the need for additional time to thoroughly review the case.

Calm Presence in Court

Throughout the hearing, Khalil maintained a calm demeanor in the small, windowless courtroom. His responses to the judge were measured and quiet, suggesting a degree of composure despite the serious nature of the proceedings. When the judge inquired about his preferred language, Khalil remarked that he understands both English and Arabic. He confirmed they could proceed in English.

Involvement in Campus Activism

Khalil is known for his significant involvement in anti-Israel protests at Columbia University. His activism has drawn both support and criticism, drawing attention to the broader societal issues surrounding Palestine and Israel.

Accusations of Racism and Political Repression

On Tuesday, Khalil’s legal team released a letter in which he characterized his arrest as symptomatic of anti-Palestinian racism. He criticized both the Biden and Trump administrations for perpetuating this sentiment and attributed his targeting to longstanding racial biases against Palestinians. According to Khalil, these biases influence U.S. policies that repress not only Palestinians but also Arab Americans and other communities.

He stated, “My unjust detention is indicative of the anti-Palestinian racism that both the Biden and Trump administrations have demonstrated over the past 16 months as the U.S. has continued to supply Israel with weapons to kill Palestinians and prevented international intervention. For decades, anti-Palestinian racism has driven efforts to expand U.S. laws and practices that are used to violently repress Palestinians, Arab Americans, and other communities. That is precisely why I am being targeted.”

Legal Change of Venue

In a development that marked a legal victory for Khalil, a judge ordered on Wednesday that his deportation case should be heard in New Jersey, contrary to the original location in Louisiana. The decision followed a law stating that cases should be presented in the same jurisdiction where Khalil’s attorneys initially filed a lawsuit challenging his detention.

This ruling directly responds to concerns raised about the conditions at the detention facility in New Jersey, where officials previously cited issues such as a bedbug infestation. Khalil’s transfer to Louisiana was noted as a precaution taken by authorities amid these concerns.

Support from Family and Civil Liberties Organizations

Khalil’s wife, Noor Abdalla, expressed her determination to fight against his detention. In a statement released through the American Civil Liberties Union, she said, “His unlawful and unjust detention cannot stand. We will not stop fighting until he is home with me.”

The involvement of civil liberties organizations underscores the significant interest in Khalil’s case, which touches on issues of immigration rights, activism, and allegations of racial discrimination.

Broader Implications for Immigration and Activism

As Khalil’s case unfolds, it raises critical questions about the intersection of immigration law and political activism in the United States. The implications are profound, affecting not only Khalil’s future but also how similar cases may be treated in the future.

With the hearing set for April 8, the legal proceedings surrounding Khalil will continue to draw attention, shedding light on the challenges faced by activists within the context of U.S. immigration policy.

This report includes contributions from Fox News’ Alec Schemmel.