Appeals Court Ruling Paves Way for Mahmoud Khalil’s Return to Detention

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit ruled that Khalil could not be granted relief from federal courts until his deportation process concluded.

Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil (C) in New York City on June 22, 2025. AP Photo/Olga Fedorova

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit on Jan. 15 reversed a decision releasing Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student and Palestinian activist, from custody.

The U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey had ordered his release following his detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 8 and transfer to a detention center in Louisiana.