(Newark, NJ) – A federal judge has ruled that Department of Homeland Security detainee Mahmoud Khalil must be released from custody. This comes as the Trump White House has been pushing to deport illegal immigrants — though in this case, Khalil is a legal, permanent resident of the country. A green card holder, Khalil was originally detained months ago — allegedly because he supported terrorist-organization Hamas by handing out fliers.
Khalil is a former Columbia University student, and his alleged illicit activity took place there — because he allegedly handed out pro-Hamas fliers. But his supporters have argued that his due process was violated, and that he can’t be deported as a green card holder. The White House says given he supported a terrorist organization, the privilege of holding a green card can be removed.
The judge that ordered his released is in Newark, but Khalil is being held in Louisiana. So, the Trump Administration argues that the judge lacks jurisdiction. And the White House plans to appeal.
