Arabic version: الناشط المؤيد لفلسطين محمود خليل يستأنف قرار ترحيله إلى المحكمة العليا

Pro-Palestine activist Mahmoud Khalil is set to appeal his deportation case to the Supreme Court, following a federal appeals court’s recent decision not to rehear his case. Khalil’s legal team announced the appeal on Friday, as he has faced deportation efforts by the Trump administration due to his advocacy.

According to Al Jazeera, Khalil’s initial legal challenges began after his detainment by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in March 2025. His lawyers argue that his civil liberties, particularly his free speech rights as a US permanent resident, have been violated.

In a previous ruling, a federal judge ordered Khalil’s release and barred his deportation. However, a federal appeals court later ruled that the judge in the initial ruling lacked jurisdiction. Following this latest decision, Khalil’s case is now headed to the Supreme Court for further review.

Brett Max Kaufman, senior counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), expressed confidence in their legal arguments, stating that federal courts must intervene when the government misuses immigration laws to suppress free speech. Khalil’s case has drawn attention to broader implications for individuals expressing dissenting opinions.

In addition to the Supreme Court appeal, Khalil’s legal team is also contesting his deportation in immigration courts. The Board of Immigration Appeals had previously issued a final order of removal, but Khalil’s lawyers have raised concerns about procedural irregularities in the handling of his case, including unusual recusals of judges.

Khalil claims that the Trump administration is using his case as an example to intimidate others advocating for Palestine. He has never been charged with a crime, and the administration has not provided evidence of any national security threat posed by him.