Pro-Palestine International Students Have Won in Court. Why Hasn’t Mahmoud Khalil Won His Freedom?

The Intercept
by Jonah Valdez
February 26, 2026
6 views
7 min read

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The Bottom Line

A pro-Palestine international student still faces deportation despite others winning their cases, raising free speech concerns.

How This Affects You

This case highlights how the government may target individuals for protected speech, potentially affecting your First Amendment rights, especially if you are an immigrant.

AI Summary

While most pro-Palestine international students targeted for deportation by the Trump administration have won their cases, Mahmoud Khalil still faces potential re-detention and deportation to Algeria. Despite a recent federal court setback, Khalil's legal team is appealing his deportation order in immigration court, seeking to move the case to New York and introduce new evidence of government retaliation. They aim to prove his targeting was for protected speech, citing a newly unsealed DHS memo indicating a lack of initial evidence against him. Khalil's ongoing fight highlights concerns about free speech rights and governmental overreach in immigration proceedings, contrasting with other activists' successful outcomes.

What's Being Done

Mahmoud Khalil's legal team is appealing his deportation order in immigration court.

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