AI-generated illustration

Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist detained in the United States over his role in pro-Palestinian protests and later released on bail, has filed a petition with the Supreme Court asking it to overturn an appeals court decision that could allow his deportation.

In the petition, Khalil argues that a ruling by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, prevents federal courts from reviewing the legality of immigrants' detention until immigration courts have fully assessed every case. Khalil said the issue affects thousands of immigrants, not only himself.

Appeal court ruling under challenge

Khalil filed the petition with the Supreme Court over a decision issued by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, early this year. He asked the court to reverse the appeals court's holding that federal courts have no authority to examine the legality of an immigrant's detention until immigration courts have fully evaluated the case.

In a statement accompanying the filing, Khalil said the question concerns thousands of immigrants in addition to himself. If the ruling is overturned, he said, other people would be able to challenge the Trump administration and immigration-related detentions would not drag on.

On Jan. 15, the Pennsylvania appeals court had reversed the decision that secured Khalil's release, clearing the way for authorities to detain the Palestinian activist again and deport him. The court also said immigration cases are handled under separate legal procedures, which meant a district court lacked jurisdiction over the matter. A request by Khalil to cancel the ruling ordering his deportation was rejected on April 10.

Homeland Security Department defends its actions

The US Department of Homeland Security said obtaining a visa or a green card to live and study in the country is "a privilege," and argued that the Trump administration is "acting within its legal and constitutional authority" against Khalil and other foreign activists.

The department also urged Khalil to leave the country voluntarily through a program called "CBP Home," which is directed at undocumented migrants.

Detention, legal challenge and release on bail

Khalil, a Palestinian activist who led protests at Columbia University and was a graduate student at the same university, was detained in March 2025 while entering his home with his spouse.

His lawyer, Amy Greer, said Khalil was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials and had his green card cancelled despite holding permanent resident status and having a US citizen spouse.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at the time: "We will revoke the visas or green cards of Hamas supporters in America so they can be deported." After Khalil's lawyers went to court, his deportation was temporarily halted.

Khalil was released on bail on June 20, 2025, after a court found that the allegations against him were "not sufficient to justify detention."

Key takeaways

• Mahmoud Khalil petitioned the Supreme Court to reverse a Third Circuit ruling that limits federal review of immigration detention.
• Khalil said the case affects thousands of immigrants and could shorten immigration-related detentions if overturned.
• The Department of Homeland Security defended the Trump administration's actions and urged Khalil to leave voluntarily through CBP Home.
• Khalil was detained in March 2025, released on bail on June 20, 2025, and an appeal against his deportation order was rejected on April 10.