A U.S. federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration cannot deport Mahmoud Khalil based on foreign policy grounds, halting the government’s attempt to remove him under a justification not supported by disclosed evidence.
In the ruling, the judge stated that the administration did not provide sufficient legal basis or evidence to justify deportation on foreign policy grounds.
The court emphasized that decisions about an individual’s residency status must rely on applicable legal standards and verifiable information. As a result, the court blocked the deportation unless additional legal action is taken.
Khalil’s representatives said he welcomed the court’s decision.
Legal analysts have noted that the ruling may influence future cases where the government seeks to deport individuals based on foreign policy justifications.
It remains to be seen whether the government will appeal the decision or modify its legal approach in similar cases. The Department of Justice has not issued a public statement on the ruling.