Mahmoud Khalil and his attorneys tell judge his life, his family’s would be at risk if he’s deported

Attorneys representing Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil argued on Thursday that he should be shielded from deportation, as it could endanger his life. Khalil, who met his newborn son for the first time prior to a crucial court hearing in Louisiana, faced attempts by the Trump administration to physically separate them. His lawyer, Marc Van Der Hout, emphasized the critical nature of the situation, stating that Khalil’s life was in jeopardy.

During a more than two-hour testimony before the immigration judge on Thursday, Khalil outlined his life story, from his childhood to his activism at Columbia University, where he played a significant role in pro-Palestinian advocacy during last year’s protests. He expressed concerns about his safety and that of his family if they were deported from the United States, particularly citing the dangers he would face in Syria due to his political beliefs.

Facing deportation after organizing pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus, Khalil, an Algerian citizen of Palestinian origin detained in Louisiana since March, was previously a green-card holder. The Trump administration invoked an unusual provision to justify his removal, claiming his presence posed foreign policy risks to the U.S.

Following expert testimonies during the hearing, Khalil’s legal team presented substantial evidence opposing his deportation, arguing that his life would be at risk in Algeria or Syria. Amid ongoing legal proceedings, his lawyers requested the case be dismissed, alleging Khalil was arrested without a warrant, though the judge denied the motion.

As the legal battle continues, with written closing arguments due by June 2, Khalil remains in detention in Louisiana, awaiting a final decision on his fate.