An immigration judge has ordered U.S. permanent resident and pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil deported to Algeria or Syria, ruling that he “wilfully misrepresented material fact(s)” to gain immigration benefits. Khalil’s legal team plans to appeal and says a standing federal court order prevents his immediate detention or removal as related litigation continues.

The Ruling and Immediate Legal Roadblocks

Judge Jamee Comans issued the Sept. 12 decision directing removal to Algeria or Syria, while Khalil’s attorneys cite a federal district court order that currently blocks detention or deportation. They have 30 days to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals, a process that rarely grants discretionary stays.

What the Judge Said Khalil Omitted

The judge found Khalil failed to disclose affiliations on his adjustment application, including ties to UNRWA and a campus divestment group, calling it a “lack of candor.” In the ruling, Comans wrote: “Respondent wilfully misrepresented material fact(s) for the sole purpose of circumventing the immigration process.”

Khalil’s Response and Claims of Retaliation

Khalil, who was born in Syria, is an Algerian citizen of Palestinian origin and argues the case is political retaliation for protected speech. “It is no surprise that the [administration] continues to retaliate against me for my exercise of free speech,” he said, vowing to press his federal claims while appealing the removal order.

Detention History and Protest Context

Khalil was arrested in March during a nationwide campus enforcement push and released in June after more than 100 days in detention; his newborn son arrived while he was in custody. His public role during campus protests has made the case a flashpoint in debates over free speech, antisemitism, and immigration enforcement.