US Court Opens Way To Mahmoud Khalil's Rearrest; Zohran Mamdani Reacts

A U.S. federal appeals court ruled 2–1 on Thursday that a lower court judge lacked the authority to order the release of Mahmoud Khalil, siding with the Donald Trump administration. The decision opens the door to Khalil’s potential rearrest as the government moves forward with deportation proceedings under federal immigration law.

Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and leading pro-Palestinian activist, was freed after months in detention. His lawyers say they will appeal, arguing the ruling carries serious implications for civil liberties and the treatment of political activists in the United States

The Palestinian activist, born in Syria and holding Algerian citizenship, is a lawful permanent resident and married to a US citizen.

Mahmoud Khalil is one of the dozens of foreign students that the Trump administration has targeted for deportation over their criticism of Israel.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has voiced concern about the ruling, expressing his views on X. “Last year’s arrest of Mahmoud Khalil was more than just a chilling act of political repression; it was an attack on all of our constitutional rights. Now, as the crackdown on pro-Palestinian free speech continues, Mahmoud is being threatened with rearrest. Mahmoud is free and must remain free”, Mamdani wrote.

Khalil’s case was advancing on two tracks, one in federal court through a habeas corpus petition, which argued that his detention was illegal, and another in the administrative immigration courts, which challenged his removal.