Summary
A federal appeals court reversed a lower court decision that had released Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist, from immigration detention. The court ruled that the lower court judge did not have the authority to order his release and that his case should first go through immigration courts. Khalil, who was initially detained for his activist activities, may face deportation as a result.
Key Facts
- Mahmoud Khalil was originally detained for participating in a pro-Palestinian protest in 2024.
- A federal district court had ordered his release last June.
- The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided 2-1 to reverse his release.
- The court's decision focused on jurisdiction, not on the First Amendment or his activism.
- Khalil, a legal permanent resident, faces possible deportation to Algeria or Syria.
- NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani supports Khalil, encouraging his release.
- The Department of Homeland Security supports the appeals court's decision.
