US appeals court reverses decision that freed Mahmoud Khalil from ICE detention

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 1 min read 100% complete by Maya Yang and agenciesJanuary 15, 2026 at 04:40 PM

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A US appeals court overturned a lower court's decision to release Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student and pro-Palestinian activist, from ICE detention. The ruling, delivered by a 2-1 panel of the third US circuit court of appeals in Philadelphia, dismissed Khalil's lawsuit challenging his detention, citing a lack of jurisdiction. The court stated that federal immigration law requires Khalil to address his claims in an immigration court and potentially in a petition for review of a final removal order. Khalil, a permanent resident, was detained last year, sparking criticism from civil liberties groups who viewed it as a crackdown on pro-Palestinian speech. The appeals court's decision is a victory for the Trump administration's efforts to deport Khalil.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Reuters 30% Philadelphia 40% Stephanos Bibas ×250% Thomas Hardiman ×250% Israel 50% Columbia University ×260% United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit 70% United States ×270% Donald Trump ×270% Mahmoud Khalil ×690%

Keywords

mahmoud khalil 100% immigration detention 90% pro-palestinian activism 80% appeals court 80% deportation 70% immigration law 60% trump administration 60% civil liberties 50% judicial review 50%