A U.S. immigration judge in Louisiana ruled on Friday that President Donald Trump's administration can proceed with its deportation case against Columbia University graduate student and Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil,

JENA, La. (AP) — A Louisiana immigration judge ruled Friday that the U.S. can deport Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil based on the federal government’s argument that he poses a national security risk. Immigration Judge Jamee Comans made the determination at the end of a nearly two-hour hearing. Khalil can appeal the ruling.

A Louisiana immigration judge said the Trump administration can move forward with efforts to deport Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia University student activist and legal permanent resident.