US Seeks Mahmoud Khalil Deportation

The United States government, under the United States — Presidency of Donald Trump, is attempting to deport Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University activist and legal permanent U.S. resident, for his beliefs and activities related to pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a memo asserting the administration's authority to expel noncitizens whose presence damages U.S. foreign policy interests, specifically citing Khalil's activities as undermining efforts to combat antisemitism. Khalil was arrested on March 8 and taken to a detention center in Louisiana. His attorneys, Marc Van Der Hout and Johnny Sinodis, argue that the government has no criminal case against him and is targeting his free speech rights. The United States — United States Department of Homeland Security initially accused Khalil of being aligned with Hamas, but no evidence has been produced. The United States — Presidency of Donald Trump has also been pulling billions in government funding from universities and revoking visas of international students who criticize Israel, as part of a broader campaign.