Judge Moves Columbia Activist's Deportation Case to New Jersey

Published MAR 19 2025·Updated MAR 20 2025

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Above: Demonstrators gather outside the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement building March 15, 2024 to show solidarity with Palestinians and demand justice for Mahmoud Khalil. Image credit: Probal Rashid/Contributor/LightRocket via Getty Images

The Spin

Republican narrative

Despite the actions of this activist judge, the US government must protect national sovereignty by deporting non-citizens who promote terrorist organizations and spread antisemitism. Khalil's green card status is a privilege that can be revoked when it's used to undermine US interests and support extremist causes.

The Washington Examiner

Democratic narrative

Khalil needs more court wins like this one. His arrest represents an unprecedented attack on constitutional rights, using immigration enforcement to silence political dissent. The administration is targeting a peaceful activist without evidence of wrongdoing, setting a dangerous precedent for suppressing free speech through deportation.

The Nation Jacobin