A New Jersey judge ruled Green Card holder Mahmoud Khalil can move forward with his unlawful detention lawsuit. His legal team claims that the Trump administration is unlawfully detaining him for his political views. The judge ruled on April 29, 2025, that the government’s argument that immigration law is not in the court’s jurisdiction is invalid.
Khalil was detained by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on suspicion of connection to terrorist organizations. His team argues his detention is retribution for participating in protests at Columbia University in 2024. Immigration authorities detained Khalil in New York before transferring him to a detention center in Louisiana. The case generated a great amount of controversy, mainly due to the Trump administration’s plans to remove him without due process.
While a Louisianna immigration judge ruled that the government can proceed with its removal efforts, the New Jersey judge ruled Khalil’s case can still go before the Board of Immigration Appeals. The judge then issued three court orders with instructions on how to proceed, including providing deadlines for Khalil to file a proposed amended petition and for the government to respond.
A Green Card, or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) card, allows non-citizens to live and work permanently in the U.S. for ten years. While they need to be renewed, the expiration of a Green Card doesn’t revoke LPR status. This aside a Green Card holder has essentially the same rights as a U.S. citizens, meaning they cannot be placed in detention or removed without due process. Khalil’s arrest and removal could hold massive implications for the rights of immigrants, especially with regards to freedom of speech.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical.
