Could Boston Red Sox Pitcher Tanner Houck be TRADED After Early Season Struggles?

NEWARK, N.J. — In new filings submitted to both immigration and federal courts this week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate student from Columbia University , was taken into custody without a warrant and accused of attempting to flee. His legal team, however, says video evidence contradicts that claim.

The filings respond to an April 23 deadline set by the immigration judge overseeing Khalil’s case in Jena, Louisiana . A federal judge in New Jersey also requested copies of the filings.

Marc Van Der Hout, Khalil’s attorney, stated: “In DHS' filing in immigration court this week, we learned for the first time that the DHS agents who arrested Mahmoud lied to him: they wrote in their arrest report that the agents told him that they had an arrest warrant, but DHS has now admitted in their filing that that was a lie.”

The arrest, which occurred on March 8, 2025, has drawn national attention. DHS and ICE officials maintain the arrest is based on immigration law violations, while Khalil’s legal team argues it was politically motivated.

Khalil has also submitted an asylum application, which remains sealed due to the nature of its contents. His legal team continues to seek bail, a return to New Jersey, and a preliminary injunction that would allow him to reunite with his family while legal proceedings continue.

Khalil’s wife, Dr. Noor Abdalla, gave birth on April 21 . She stated that their request for Khalil to attend the birth was denied by ICE.

Could Boston Red Sox Pitcher Tanner Houck be TRADED After Early Season Struggles?

The legal team alleges that Khalil’s arrest and detention constitute a violation of his First Amendment and due process rights. "Mr. Khalil remains unlawfully detained in direct retaliation for his advocacy in support of Palestinian rights," said Amol Sinha, a member of Khalil's legal representation and Executive Director of the ACLU New Jersey.

The government maintains the actions were legal under immigration statutes.

More information about the legal proceedings can be found at ccrjustice.org .