ICE detention and release
On March 8, 2025, ICE arrested Khalil at his Manhattan apartment, citing a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act and alleging false information on his 2024 green card application, which he denied. The U.S. government, via Secretary of State Marco Rubio, claimed his activism harmed U.S. foreign policy. Khalil was detained for 104 days at the LaSalle Detention Center in Jena, Louisiana. His arrest sparked protests in New York, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, with support from figures like U.S. representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who called it politically motivated. [8] [9] [10]
Khalil completed the requirements for his Columbia degree before being detained, but was incarcerated during the graduation ceremony. His wife participated in the ceremony on his behalf. [11] [12]
On June 11, 2025, federal judge Michael Farbiarz ruled Khalil’s detention unconstitutional, noting he was neither a flight risk nor a community threat. Khalil was released on June 20, 2025, after a court found the government’s case relied on unverified tabloid reports. His case drew attention as part of a broader Trump administration effort to deport pro-Palestinian student activists. [13]
In July 2025, Khalil filed a claim for US$20 million in damages against the Trump administration. [14] [15]
Deportation order from Louisiana judge
On September 17, 2025, Jamee Comans, an immigration judge in Louisiana, ordered Khalil to be deported to either Syria or Algeria. Khalil’s lawyers suggested intention to appeal the deportation order. [16]
On September 21, Khalil addressed hundreds at a Voices for Gaza fundraising event with Mosab Abu Toha, Aasif Mandvi, Hannah Lillith Assadi, Hala Alyan, and Viet Thanh Nguyen. [17]
