An immigration judge in Louisiana on Friday ruled that Columbia graduate and Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil can be deported, after he helped lead an anti-Israel protest at the school last year.

Federal agents last month arrested Khalil on a deportation order from the Trump administration, despite his status as a "legal permanent resident."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has argued Khalil can be deported, regardless of his immigration status, because his “beliefs, statements or associations undermine U.S. policy to combat antisemitism around the world and in the United States, in addition to efforts to protect Jewish students from harassment and violence in the United States." 

Assistant Chief Immigration Judge Jamee Comans ruled in a hearing on Friday that she does not have the authority to question Rubio's determination, and gave Khalil until April 23 to request a stay of his deportation. If he does not request a stay by the deadline, he will be deported to either Syria or Algeria, according to National Public Radio.

Khalil's attorneys have also challenged the arrest of their client in federal court, arguing he is being targeted over his pro-Palestine activism in violation of his constitutionally protected right to free speech, the news outlet also reports.

The attorneys are expected to appeal Friday's ruling.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.