Judge Demands Evidence in Columbia Student Deportation Case

An immigration judge in Louisiana has given the U.S. government a tight 24-hour deadline to produce evidence justifying the deportation of Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil, threatening to dismiss the case by Friday if no proof is provided. Khalil, a Palestinian activist arrested a month ago for his role in campus protests against Israel’s war in Gaza, remains detained in a rural Louisiana jail, spotlighting the Trump administration’s aggressive push to expel foreign-born students critical of its foreign policy.

The judge’s ultimatum came during a tense hearing on Tuesday. She stressed that without evidence, Khalil’s case lacks legal grounding for removal.

Khalil, a legal permanent resident, was nabbed in New York in March. His transfer to Louisiana has fueled claims of retaliation for his activism.

The government alleges his protest involvement threatens U.S. foreign policy. Yet, no public evidence has surfaced linking him to illegal acts.

Khalil’s lawyers argue his detention violates free speech rights. They’ve demanded his release, calling the case a political witch hunt.

Protests erupted nationwide after his arrest, with supporters rallying. Demonstrators in New York have called it an attack on dissent.

The Trump administration has leaned on a rare law to target such students. Critics say it’s a blunt tool to silence pro-Palestinian voices on campuses.

Khalil has denied any ties to extremist groups like Hamas. He insists his advocacy is peaceful and rooted in human rights.

Legal experts question if the government can meet the judge’s deadline. Past delays suggest evidence may be thin or still uncompiled.

A federal judge in New Jersey also rejected moving the case there. This keeps Khalil’s fate in Louisiana’s immigration court for now.

If the case is dropped, Khalil could walk free under immigration law. However, the government might refile if allowed by the judge.

Advocates warn this sets a precedent for targeting immigrants’ speech. They fear it could chill activism among noncitizens nationwide.