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Lawyers Seek Judge Recusal in Deportation Case of Activist

4/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Lawyers for Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student facing deportation, asked Judge Emil Bove to recuse himself due to potential conflicts of interest from Bove's past role in immigration enforcement against student protesters.
Khalil, a legal permanent resident, argues that U.S. President Donald Trump's administration's efforts to deport him over his pro-Palestinian activism are unconstitutional.
A 3rd Circuit panel ruling did not address this key issue.
Khalil, who has been detained previously, claims the accusations against him are unfounded and a violation of his free speech rights.

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Story summary

Lawyers for Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student facing deportation, asked Judge Emil Bove to recuse himself due to potential conflicts of interest from Bove's past role in immigration enforcement against student protesters.
Khalil, a legal permanent resident, argues that U.S. President Donald Trump's administration's efforts to deport him over his pro-Palestinian activism are unconstitutional.
A 3rd Circuit panel ruling did not address this key issue.
Khalil, who has been detained previously, claims the accusations against him are unfounded and a violation of his free speech rights.