A federal judge is set to weigh in on Wednesday on the arrest and potential deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and permanent U.S. resident, who was detained by ICE earlier this week despite holding a green card.

Khalil, a vocal supporter of the Palestinian movement, led demonstrations at Columbia University last year against Israel’s war in Gaza.

The Trump administration accuses him of siding with terrorists and is seeking his removal from the U.S.
Khalil is currently being held at an immigration detention center in Jena, Louisiana, awaiting court proceedings.

The White House has criticized Columbia University for allegedly refusing to cooperate with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in identifying students involved in what it calls “pro-Hamas activity”.
Last week, the Trump administration slashed $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia over its alleged failure to curb antisemitism on campus.

Khalil’s detention has sparked protests across New York City, resulting in hundreds of arrests. The case has raised alarms over free speech protections, particularly as President Donald Trump continues cracking down on campus demonstrations.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul questioned the motives behind Khalil’s arrest, stating:

“Did he break the law, not break the law, or is this political punishment?”

Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt doubled down on Columbia’s alleged inaction, saying: “Columbia University has been given names of other individuals who have engaged in pro-Hamas activity, and they are refusing to help DHS identify those individuals on campus.”

According to a statement from his wife, Khalil “begged” Columbia University for legal support the day before he was taken into custody, fearing he would be targeted by ICE or other threats.
He allegedly sent an email to university officials, urging them to intervene.

A court hearing is scheduled for Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. to determine Khalil’s legal fate.
His supporters and civil rights advocates argue that his arrest is part of a political crackdown rather than a legitimate immigration case.

With tensions escalating over student activism, government policies, and free speech rights, Khalil’s case is shaping up to be a high-profile legal battle with national implications.