Mahmoud Khalil asks Supreme Court to hear deportation case

Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and former Columbia University student, has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review his case, challenging the legality of his prolonged detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In March 2025, Khalil was arrested in New York City, held for over 100 days, and faced deportation after then-Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that Khalil's pro-Palestinian activities compromised a compelling U.S. foreign policy interest. His lawyers argue that federal courts should be able to review the legality of his detention before immigration court proceedings are completed, citing violations of his First Amendment rights. The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia had ruled against Khalil, stating that federal judges cannot consider such claims until after the completion of separate immigration court processes. This case could have significant implications for non-citizens' ability to challenge detentions on grounds of free speech.