
Mahmoud Khalil stands outside Columbia University,
© Seth Harrison/The Journal News via USA TODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
(Baton Rouge, LA) — An immigration judge says Columbia University organizer and pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil can be deported by the White House.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote to the judge arguing that Khalil served as a spokesperson for anti-Israel protesters and took part in anti-semitic protests and disruptive activities which should qualify as reasons for deportation.
Lawyers for Khalil have until April 23rd to appeal the April 11th ruling, arguing the administration just wants to silence him which is a violation of his first amendment right and there’s no evidence showing anti-semitism.
The case could set to the stage for how the Trump Administration could handle future protester deportation attempts.