US Appeals Court Upholds Detention of Palestinian Activist Amidst Free Speech Concerns
A federal appeals court has thrown out a lower court's order to release Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil from detention, leaving him vulnerable to re-detention for deportation. Despite the ruling, Khalil remains under threat until his case is resolved in 45 days.
Khalil, a green card holder, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at his New York apartment in March and subsequently flown to a Louisiana detention center. He spent three months there while the government sought to deport him, missing the birth of his child.
In June, New Jersey District Judge Michael Farbiarz ruled that the Trump administration's detention of Khalil was likely illegal and violated his First Amendment rights. However, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned this ruling in a split decision, stating that the lower court did not have jurisdiction over Khalil's free speech claims case.
"This decision is deeply disappointing," Khalil said in a statement released by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), "but it does not close the door on my commitment to activism for Palestinian rights. I will continue to fight through every legal avenue and with every ounce of determination until my rights, and those of others like me, are fully protected."
The reversal has raised concerns about free speech rights and the government's ability to detain individuals based on their advocacy for Palestine. "If this decision stands, the government might be able to snatch you up for your speech and put you in detention for years," Brett Max Kaufman, an attorney with the ACLU and a member of Khalil's legal team, warned.
Khalil is currently fighting two separate legal battles: one in federal court and another in immigration court. If his deportation case is successful, he could face significant time in detention while appealing the decision.
A federal appeals court has thrown out a lower court's order to release Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil from detention, leaving him vulnerable to re-detention for deportation. Despite the ruling, Khalil remains under threat until his case is resolved in 45 days.
Khalil, a green card holder, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at his New York apartment in March and subsequently flown to a Louisiana detention center. He spent three months there while the government sought to deport him, missing the birth of his child.
In June, New Jersey District Judge Michael Farbiarz ruled that the Trump administration's detention of Khalil was likely illegal and violated his First Amendment rights. However, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned this ruling in a split decision, stating that the lower court did not have jurisdiction over Khalil's free speech claims case.
"This decision is deeply disappointing," Khalil said in a statement released by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), "but it does not close the door on my commitment to activism for Palestinian rights. I will continue to fight through every legal avenue and with every ounce of determination until my rights, and those of others like me, are fully protected."
The reversal has raised concerns about free speech rights and the government's ability to detain individuals based on their advocacy for Palestine. "If this decision stands, the government might be able to snatch you up for your speech and put you in detention for years," Brett Max Kaufman, an attorney with the ACLU and a member of Khalil's legal team, warned.
Khalil is currently fighting two separate legal battles: one in federal court and another in immigration court. If his deportation case is successful, he could face significant time in detention while appealing the decision.
. I mean, if they can detain someone for exercising their right to speak out on issues like Palestinian rights, what's next? Detaining activists who advocate for climate action or social justice? The 3rd Circuit Court's decision is a major win for the government, but it's also a clear example of how our system is stacked against marginalized voices 
. Khalil's case highlights the need for more robust protections for free speech and due process in our immigration laws.
stats show 74% of Palestinians held by immigration authorities are facing deportation, & now Khalil is back on thin ice 
45 days till his case gets resolved - can't wait to see how this plays out 
US deportations of Palestinians have risen by 300% since 2015 
the avg detention duration is 8 months, with some cases lasting up to 2 years 
let's hope Khalil gets his day in court & his rights are protected 
what's next? gonna start roundin up people 4 thinkin out loud? 
Khalil's already goin thru hell with birth of his kid missin out, dont need this too 
. I mean, if the gov can just detain you for exercising your free speech rights, that's a huge red flag 
. It feels like they're trying to silence people who are advocating for justice and equality, which is basically the opposite of what our country is all about 
. The fact that this appeals court is essentially saying the gov can just ignore the law and do whatever they want is really scary 
It's not about politics, it's about basic human rights 
We need to make sure our voices aren't silenced because of who we're advocating for or where we stand on issues 
What do you think? Do you feel like speaking out is worth the risk? 
i cant believe what i just read about mahmoud khalil! he was detained for months and missed the birth of his child... its just not right 
like america is supposed to be a land of freedom and stuff, but apparently that only applies to certain people 
he shouldnt have to go through this hassle just because hes a Palestinian green card holder