WASHINGTON: A federal judge has halted the deportation of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil until a hearing on Wednesday.
Khalil, a former Columbia University student, was arrested Saturday by immigration authorities.
His lawyers say the government revoked his green card due to his role in student protests.
Court documents confirm he cannot be removed from the U.S. unless a judge orders otherwise.
It remains unclear if Khalil will appear in court for the upcoming hearing.
Protests and Arrest
Khalil played a major role in Columbia’s student movement calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
His arrest is part of Trump’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian demonstrations on college campuses.
Trump called Khalil’s arrest “the first of many” and vowed to deport foreign students protesting.
Hundreds marched in Manhattan, demanding his release and condemning the government’s actions.
His detention follows a university investigation into student activism related to Gaza.
Legal Defense
Khalil’s lawyer argues the arrest is a political move to silence student activism.
She says immigration enforcement is being used as a tool to suppress free speech.
Khalil was transferred to a detention center in Jena, Louisiana, after his arrest.
His legal team has requested that the court block his transfer to another facility.
They argue this move restricts his access to legal counsel and family support.
Doxing and Threats
Before his arrest, Khalil emailed Columbia’s interim president seeking legal protection.
He described facing a “dehumanizing doxing campaign” that falsely labeled him a terrorist.
His email detailed threats calling for his deportation and questioning his immigration status.
Court filings confirm his request for legal support due to escalating harassment.
Khalil’s arrest adds to concerns about government suppression of student activism.
Future Uncertain
Trump has promised further deportations and jail time for students involved in protests.
Legal experts warn that targeting protesters could raise free speech concerns.
Columbia University has not publicly responded to Khalil’s arrest.
The judge’s ruling on Wednesday could determine whether Khalil stays in the U.S.
His supporters argue that his case represents a broader attack on political activism.
