The head of Columbia University alluded to the detention of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil during a commencement speech Wednesday that drew loud boos and chants of “free Palestine” from graduating students.

Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia University graduate student and lawful permanent resident detained by immigration authorities since March, is due to appear at a pivotal immigration hearing Thursday that could determine his future in the United States.

Lawyers seek release of Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalil, arguing that his arrest was illegal. He was back in court.

Khalil's lawyers are trying to convince an immigration judge that if he's deported, Israel could target him over his advocacy for Palestinian rights.

An immigration judge in Louisiana on Thursday denied a request to terminate Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil’s deportation proceedings after his attorneys argued that he was arrested illegally and without a warrant over two months ago.

Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil should be protected from deportation, which could put his life at risk, his attorneys argued Thursday.