A federal appeals court ruled that the district court lacked authority to release Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University activist targeted for deportation by the Trump administration. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit decided 2-1 that Khalil must pursue his claims through the Immigration and Naturalization Act process rather than a habeas petition. This ruling supports the administration’s efforts against pro-Palestinian activists on student visas. Judge Arianna Freeman dissented, arguing the district court should have jurisdiction over Khalil’s case.
