Judges overturn ruling that freed pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil

The Trump administration is threatening to arrest and deport Mahmoud Khalil if he does not leave the U.S. voluntarily after Thursday’s court ruling.

By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz

Outlets: New Jersey Monitor

Published: January 15, 2026

Words: 775

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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A pro-Palestinian activist arrested by immigration officials after participating in anti-Israel protests at Columbia University and then freed by a federal judge in New Jersey may be rearrested after a federal appeals court ruled against him Thursday.

The 2-1 decision from the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals says Mahmoud Khalil must fight the Trump administration’s attempts to deport him in immigration court, not federal district court. The ruling boots Khalil’s …

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