In a striking decision, a federal immigration judge has ordered the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident and pro-Palestinian activist, to either Algeria or Syria over undisclosed affiliations on his U.S. green card application, as Fox News reports.

The case revolves around Khalil’s intentional omission of past connections to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and a campus group opposing Israel, leading to a ruling for his removal while sparking claims of political retaliation.

The sequence of events began on March 8 when Khalil was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at his apartment in Manhattan. He was then detained in Louisiana for over three months, facing scrutiny over his immigration status.

Unexpected arrest sparks legal battle

During his detention, Khalil’s case drew attention due to the nature of the allegations against him. Federal authorities pointed to his undisclosed internship with UNRWA and involvement with Columbia University Apartheid Divest, an anti-Israel coalition, as reasons for concern. These affiliations, they argued, posed potential national security and foreign policy issues.

In June, U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz intervened, ruling that Khalil was neither a flight risk nor a danger to the public. This decision temporarily halted his deportation while the court reviewed claims that the government’s actions were a response to his political views.

Khalil was subsequently released from detention in Louisiana after the judge’s ruling. His release marked a temporary reprieve as the legal proceedings continued to unfold.

Court ruling shocks immigrant community

The pivotal moment came on Sept. 12, when Judge Jamee Comans issued a decision ordering Khalil’s deportation to either Algeria or Syria. The judge determined that Khalil had deliberately left out critical details about his past affiliations on his green card application.

In the ruling, Judge Comans stated that the omissions on the application "were deliberate and constituted grounds for removal." This finding solidified the basis for the deportation order.

Court documents related to Khalil’s case were unsealed on Wednesday and made public by the American Civil Liberties Union. These filings shed further light on the government’s stance and the evidence presented against him.

Political speech at heart of dispute

Khalil has maintained that the case against him is rooted in retaliation for his political beliefs. He expressed his frustration with the process, highlighting what he sees as bias in the system.

In a statement, Khalil said, "It is no surprise that the Trump administration continues to retaliate against me for my exercise of free speech."

He added, "Their latest attempt, through a kangaroo immigration court, exposes their true colors once again." This sentiment underscores his belief that the legal actions are politically motivated.

Appeal looms over deportation order

On Wednesday, Khalil’s legal team announced their plan to challenge Judge Comans’ decision by appealing to the Board of Immigration Appeals. They framed the case as part of a larger struggle for civil rights. Their goal is to overturn the deportation order and protect Khalil’s ability to remain in the U.S.

The legal battle has captured attention due to its implications for free speech and immigration policy. Khalil’s supporters argue that targeting individuals for their political affiliations sets a dangerous precedent. They worry about the chilling effect this could have on immigrant communities expressing dissent.

As the appeal process begins, the outcome of Khalil’s case remains uncertain. It continues to highlight tensions between national security concerns and individual rights in the U.S. immigration system. The resolution of this matter may influence future cases involving political expression and immigration status.