US appeals court opens door to re-arrest Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil

A US appeals court has ruled that a lower court judge lacked jurisdiction when ordering the release of Palestinian activist and Green card holder Mahmoud Khalil. This decision opens the door for his potential re-arrest and gives a victory to the Trump administration in a case testing free speech rights for permanent legal residents. The ruling did not weigh in on the First Amendment arguments but focused on the procedural issue of jurisdiction under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Khalil and his legal team expressed disappointment and are reviewing their options for appeal, as the order to re-detain him is not immediate.