Mahmoud Khalil seeks halt to deportation citing new evidence of government misconduct

Lawyers for Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student and pro-Palestine activist, have petitioned an immigration appeals court to reopen and terminate his deportation case. They cite new evidence suggesting the Trump administration improperly engineered the legal outcome to make an example of him. The appeal follows a final removal order issued by the Board of Immigration Appeals in April 2026. Khalil’s legal team points to procedural abnormalities, including a New York Times report revealing his case was flagged as high priority and fast-tracked despite his release from detention. Additionally, three immigration judges recused themselves from the case, a rare occurrence indicating potential interference. The FBI had previously closed an investigation into allegations of violent rhetoric without further action. Khalil, a US permanent resident married to a US citizen, maintains he was targeted for his political views under a rarely used national security provision. His attorneys argue the Department of Justice weaponized the immigration process, lacking concrete evidence of criminal activity while suppressing lawful advocacy. The case highlights ongoing tensions regarding free speech and immigration enforcement during the Trump administration's crackdown on campus protests.