Mahmoud Khalil, a Syrian-born former Columbia University student, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 8, 2025, following his involvement in violent, anti-Israel protests on campus. The arrest was made under President Trump’s executive orders targeting antisemitic activity and national security threats. Khalil’s green card was revoked, and the Department of Homeland Security cited his alleged affiliations with activities aligned to Hamas—a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization—as a basis for removal.
Although U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman temporarily halted the deportation proceedings on March 10, a Louisiana federal judge ruled on Friday that the Trump administration had met its burden to proceed with Khalil’s deportation. Khalil now has until April 23 to submit any final relief applications before a final decision is rendered.
Adding complexity to Khalil’s profile, reports indicate he previously worked at the British Embassy in Beirut as a program manager for the Syria Office, including involvement with the UK’s Chevening Program—an elite scholarship and soft power initiative. His background and ties to high-level international policy work have raised significant concerns among U.S. authorities.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio formally supported Khalil’s deportation, stating that his presence in the U.S. contradicts national efforts to combat antisemitism and protect Jewish communities. DHS and the State Department emphasized that the action is in line with President Trump’s national security directives.