Mahmoud Khalil

US appeals court overturns release of pro-Palestinian advocate Mahdawi, citing lack of jurisdiction

Mahdawi, 35, was one of several non-citizen students who were placed in deportation proceedings last year after taking part in demonstrations against Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY student Mohsen Mahdawi poses for a portrait inside Havemeyer Hall on the Columbia University campus in New York City, New York, US, May 18, 2025.
Mahmoud Khalil at Featured Session: The Guardian in Conversation with Mahmoud Khalil on the Cost of Dissent during the SXSW Conference & Festivals held at the JW Marriott on March 15, 2026 in Austin, Texas.

Mahmoud Khalil files lawsuit alleging Betar, Canary Mission ‘conspired’ with US gov't against him

An illustration of a doctor over a backdrop of the Palestinian flag.

Medical union supports terrorists, excludes Israeli workers, Jewish American cardiologist says

Mahmoud Khalil attends a vigil and protest for Palestine outside of Columbia University on October 7, 2025 in New York City.

Court won't revisit Mahmoud Khalil ruling, opening door to pro-Palestinian activist's rearrest


What is CAIR: The US Muslim rights group with terror ties - explainer

CAIR, founded in 1994, had the mission of fighting anti-Muslim discrimination in the US by trying to inform and educate the public about Islam.

Roula Allouch (L), chair of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), and Rabiah Ahmed (C) of the Muslim Public Affairs Council listen to Nihad Awad (R), executive director and founder of CAIR, speak during a news conference with American Muslim leaders to discuss "growing Islamophobia" at t

Trump-backed targeting of pro-Palestinian activists for deportation is unlawful, US judge rules

A federal judge ruled Trump’s administration violated free speech by revoking visas and deporting students over pro-Palestinian advocacy during the Gaza war.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators protest outside the main campus of Columbia University during the Columbia commencement ceremony in Manhattan, in New York City, May 21, 2025.

Immigration judge orders Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil deported to Algeria or Syria

Louisiana immigration Judge Jamee Comans orders Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil’s deportation to Algeria or Syria, citing activism ties. His legal team appeals the decision in a civil rights case.

 Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil stands next to U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), a day after he was released from immigration custody, at Newark airport in Newark, New Jersey, U.S., June 21, 2025.

Mahmoud Khalil pushes back on claims of antisemitism at Columbia in Ezra Klein interview

“I would say there is this manufactured hysteria about antisemitism at Columbia because of the protests,” Khalil said.

 MUSLIM PROTESTERS pray outside Columbia University’s main campus in March as they denounce the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, in New York City. The writer asks: Should Khalil, a radical leader, be protected because of ‘free speech?’

'I hate this selective conversation': Mahmoud Khalil 'refuses to condemn' Hamas in CNN interview

During the CNN interview, Khalil said, "It’s disingenuous to ask about condemning Hamas while the Palestinians are the ones being starved now by Israel."

Protestors gather to demand the release of Mahmoud Khalil at Foley Square on March 10, 2025 in New York City. Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and Palestinian activist arrested Saturday, received a temporary reprieve from deportation.

'They want to make an example out of me': Mahmoud Khalil sues Trump admin. over arrest - CNN

“From the moment that I was detained, I knew that I would eventually prevail,” he said. “What I simply did is protesting a genocide.”

 Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil gestures next to his wife Dr. Noor Abdalla and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) at Newark airport, a day after he was released from immigration custody, in Newark, New Jersey, U.S., June 21, 2025.

Mahmoud Khalil seeks $20 million from Trump administration over immigration arrest

A DHS spokesperson called Khalil's claim "absurd" and said the Trump administration acted well within its legal authority to detain Khalil.

Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil gestures as he is released from immigration custody in Jena, Louisiana, U.S. June 20, 2025.

Pro-Palestinian Georgetown student can remain free, US appeals court rules

A three-judge panel of the Richmond, Virginia-based 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 against the administration's request that Badar Khan Suri be returned to immigration detention.

 Georgetown researcher and Indian national Badar Khan Suri, (center, blue shirt) who the Department of Homeland Security detained for two months for accusations of antisemitism and supporting Hamas, lands at Washington Dulles International Airport on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

Mahmoud Khalil says detainment ‘felt like kidnapping’ in first interview since release

Khalil, a 30-year-old Columbia University graduate and permanent US resident, was the first student pro-Palestinian protest leader to be detained by the Trump administration.

 Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil stands next to U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), a day after he was released from immigration custody, at Newark airport in Newark, New Jersey, U.S., June 21, 2025.

Mahmoud Khalil vows to resume pro-Palestinian activism after release from US jail

Khalil, who was greeted by American politician Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez upon his arrival in Newark, said that he would continue his activism even after his time in prison.

 Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil gestures next to his wife Dr. Noor Abdalla and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) at Newark airport, a day after he was released from immigration custody, in Newark, New Jersey, U.S., June 21, 2025.