New York City Mayor Supports Anti-Israel Activist
New York City’s Mayor Zoran Mamdani stated on Thursday that Mahmoud Khalil, an activist known for his anti-Israel stance, should “remain in New York City” amidst efforts by the Trump administration to deport him.
“Mahmoud Khalil is a New Yorker,” Mamdani emphasized during a press briefing. He further asserted, “He should stay in New York City. This attack against him is really part of a broader effort to suppress free speech—especially when it concerns advocating for the human rights of Palestinians. I want to be very clear: he has every right to be here, just like any other New Yorker.”
A federal appeals court recently sided with Khalil, finding that lower court judges lacked the authority to order his release. In a 2-1 decision, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals noted that U.S. District Judge Michael Fabiaz of New Jersey did not have the necessary “subject matter jurisdiction” under federal immigration law to obstruct the Trump administration’s attempts to deport Khalil.
Khalil, a graduate student from Syria at Columbia University, faced arrest on campus for his anti-Israel activities earlier this year. An immigration judge ruled that he could be deported based on a memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, suggesting that Khalil’s protests were not aligned with U.S. foreign policy interests.
The New York Civil Liberties Union, which represents Khalil, commented, “Mr. Mahmoud cannot be legally detained or deported at this time, as his appeal process is ongoing.” They added that the Trump administration’s reiteration of its intent to deport Khalil reveals its disregard for the First Amendment rights of lawful protesters, highlighting the need for federal court oversight.
In response, White House press secretary Abigail Jackson remarked that Khalil had “gained admission to the United States on a student visa obtained through misrepresentation.” She maintained that the administration has the right to act in the interest of public safety and uphold the integrity of immigration practices, asserting that those who deceive the government would face consequences.
It’s worth noting that Khalil is a legal permanent resident, while his wife and children hold American citizenship.
