(NewsNation) — Mahmoud Khalil, the Syrian-born activist the Trump administration has sought to deport over pro-Palestinian demonstrations he helped organize in New York, will be retaken into custody and sent to Algeria, a top Department of Homeland Security official said Wednesday.
Khalil and his attorneys for months have legally challenged the White House’s efforts to remove the green card holder, who is of Palestinian heritage, saying it would violate the constitution. An appellate court decision last week, however, was widely seen as a victory for the Trump administration.
“It looks like he’ll go to Algeria. That’s what the thought is right now,” Tricia McLaughlin, DHS assistant secretary for public affairs, told “Katie Pavlich Tonight” when asked about Khalil.
“It’s a reminder for those who are in this country on a visa or on a green card. You are a guest in this country — act like it,” she added.
On Jan. 15, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a lower court decision that released Khalil from an immigration jail, bringing the government one step closer to detaining and ultimately deporting the Palestinian activist. The 2-1 decision superseded a New Jersey federal judge’s earlier ruling in Khalil’s favor.
NewsNation has reached out to a member of Khalil’s legal team for a response.
