Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate facing deportation, asked Judge Emil Bove III to recuse himself from his case. Khalil became the first campus protester arrested during President Trump's crackdown on pro-Palestinian demonstrations at American colleges.

Khalil's lawyers claim Bove, formerly a top Justice Department official, was involved in high-level decision-making related to his case while at the DOJ. Bove was known as Trump's enforcer at the department and reportedly ordered investigations of student protesters at Columbia.

The case could have profound implications for similar immigration cases nationwide. Khalil's request came after a Third Circuit panel said the judge who freed him had no authority to do so. The court has no obligation to consider the case, and Khalil could appeal to the Supreme Court if denied.