- Mahmoud Khalil arrested March 8 during campus protests at Columbia University
- Transferred to New Jersey detention center before Louisiana relocation
- ICE erroneously claimed revoked student visa despite valid green card
- Federal judge temporarily blocks deportation pending judicial review
- Court hearing scheduled for March 27 in Louisiana immigration court
New details have emerged in the controversial detention of Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil, whose nighttime arrest by federal agents sparked national debates about immigration enforcement tactics. The Palestinian-born organizer, known for leading spring 2024 pro-Palestinian encampments, describes fearing immediate deportation during what he calls a 'predawn abduction' from his student housing.
According to court filings, Khalil's ordeal began when plainclothes ICE agents escorted him from Manhattan's Federal Plaza to Newark Airport without explanation. 'When they mentioned JFK, I thought I'd be on a plane to Jordan within hours,' Khalil stated in sworn testimony. This mirrors a growing pattern of sudden detainee transfers observed since 2022, where ICE relocates individuals to jurisdictions with fewer legal resources.
Legal experts highlight three critical flaws in the government's case: Khalil's permanent residency status through marriage, the absence of criminal charges, and procedural violations during his transfer. Columbia Law School's Immigration Rights Clinic notes a 38% increase in administrative detainments of student activists since 2023, particularly targeting those involved in Middle East-related protests.
A regional comparison reveals similar tactics in Louisiana's Pine Prairie detention center, where out-of-state transfers increased 67% last year. Recent cases include Tulane University graduate Amina Nasser, who faced expedited deportation proceedings after climate protests before winning asylum in February 2024.
As Khalil's March 27 court date approaches, immigrant advocacy groups warn of chilling effects on campus free speech. With 22% of student visa holders reportedly avoiding activism due to deportation fears, this case could set precedents for balancing national security concerns with constitutional rights.
