Federal Court Hears Case on Columbia Student’s Detention/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A federal court is hearing arguments on the detention of Columbia graduate student Mahmoud Khalil, who faces deportation over his role in pro-Palestinian protests. Trump administration officials defend the move, saying it is based on immigration policy, not free speech. Civil rights groups argue that the U.S. government is retaliating against Khalil for his activism.
Columbia Student’s Detainment and Court Case: Quick Looks
- Court Hearing: A Manhattan federal judge is reviewing Khalil’s detention and potential deportation.
- Arrest and Detainment: Khalil, a legal U.S. resident, was detained in New York and transferred to Louisiana.
- Government’s Argument: Officials say the deportation is based on immigration law, not Khalil’s activism.
- Trump’s Position: The president celebrated Khalil’s arrest, vowing to remove foreign students tied to campus protests.
- Civil Rights Concerns: Advocacy groups say Khalil’s case is a free speech issue, not an immigration matter.
- Jewish Community Reactions: Some groups support the deportation, while others warn it undermines democratic values.
- Protests Continue: Demonstrations in New York City and beyond call for Khalil’s release.
- Next Steps: The court will decide if Khalil can stay in the U.S. or face removal.
Deep Look: Columbia Student Fights Deportation Over Campus Protests
Court to Rule on Mahmoud Khalil’s Detention
A federal court in Manhattan is reviewing the Trump administration’s attempt to deport Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and pro-Palestinian activist.
Khalil, a Syrian-born legal U.S. resident married to an American citizen, was arrested on Saturday by immigration authorities. He was then moved to a federal detention center in Louisiana, sparking protests and legal challenges.
His attorneys argue that his detention is unconstitutional, claiming that the government is punishing him for engaging in free speech. Judge Jesse Furman temporarily blocked Khalil’s deportation, allowing time for legal arguments to proceed.
Trump Administration Defends Deportation Move
President Donald Trump hailed Khalil’s arrest, calling it “the first of many to come.” The administration has pledged to crack down on foreign students who participate in campus protests, describing them as “anti-American” and “pro-terrorist.”
“This isn’t about free speech,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking from Ireland. “No one has a right to a student visa. No one has a right to a green card.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Khalil’s removal is justified under the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows the deportation of noncitizens on foreign policy grounds.
Khalil’s Background and Role in Campus Protests
Khalil, who completed his master’s degree at Columbia in December, became a prominent spokesperson for student protesters during demonstrations against Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
His activism made him a central figure in a movement that spread across U.S. college campuses, demanding that universities cut financial ties with Israel.
According to his legal team, Khalil’s high-profile role in protests made him a target for deportation. They argue that he:
- Has no criminal charges filed against him.
- Was arrested solely for his activism, not for violating immigration laws.
- Faces retaliation for exercising free speech under the First Amendment.
Jewish Community Divided on Khalil’s Case
Jewish organizations have expressed mixed reactions to Khalil’s arrest.
- The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) supported the government’s action, stating that it should serve as a “deterrent against antisemitism on campus.”
- The Jewish Council for Public Affairs criticized the move, warning that it threatens democracy and civil liberties.
“The Trump administration is using real concerns about antisemitism as a cover for suppressing political speech,” said Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs.
Protests and Legal Battles Intensify
Khalil’s detention has sparked demonstrations across the country.
- In New York City, protesters gathered at Washington Square Park, where one person was arrested, and 11 others were cited.
- Columbia University activists continue to demand Khalil’s release and the dismissal of deportation proceedings.
- Legal experts argue that the government’s use of foreign policy justifications for deportation is unprecedented in a campus protest case.
What’s Next? Court Decision Will Shape Case
With legal arguments underway, the federal judge will soon decide whether Khalil:
- Will be deported, reinforcing the Trump administration’s crackdown on foreign student activists.
- Will remain in detention, pending further legal review.
- Will be released under supervision, allowing him to fight his case from New York.
Khalil’s wife, who is eight months pregnant, issued an emotional plea for his release, saying:
“I need Mahmoud home beside me, holding my hand in the delivery room.”
As the court ruling looms, Khalil’s case could set a precedent for how the U.S. handles campus activism, immigration law, and free speech moving forward.
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