US News
Mahmoud Khalil asks Supreme Court to allow suit over alleged speech violations
ABC News reports that former Columbia graduate student Mahmoud Khalil has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking to sue the government over alleged First Amendment violations.
The short version
- Former Columbia graduate student Mahmoud Khalil has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to sue the federal government over alleged First Amendment violations.[ABC News]
- A divided federal appeals court earlier ruled that Khalil cannot litigate his claims until his immigration proceedings are completed.[ABC News]
- Khalil was arrested in New York City in March 2025 and held more than 100 days in ICE custody after Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined his pro-Palestinian activities compromised a compelling U.S. foreign policy interest.[ABC News]
- Khalil, who has not been charged with any crime, contends he was deliberately targeted, while a White House spokeswoman says he willfully misreported visa background information; the justices are likely to consider the petition in January.[ABC News]
Key facts
- Khalil has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking to sue the government over alleged First Amendment violations.[ABC News]
- A divided federal appeals court ruled earlier this year that Khalil could not litigate his claims until immigration proceedings against him are completed.[ABC News]
- Federal agents arrested Khalil in New York City in March 2025 and held him more than 100 days in ICE custody.[ABC News]
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a determination that Khalil's pro-Palestinian activities compromised a compelling U.S. foreign policy interest.[ABC News]
- The justices are likely to consider Khalil's petition during a formal private meeting in January.[ABC News]
What remains uncertain
- The White House disputes Khalil's account; spokeswoman Lauren Bis said he willfully and intentionally failed to accurately report background information to obtain his visa. This is an attributed claim, and Khalil contends he was deliberately targeted.[ABC News]
- It is unknown whether the Supreme Court will take up the petition; justices are only likely to consider it in January.[ABC News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.