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Rally held for Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil | Team coverage
A judge has intervened in the Trump administration’s efforts to deport Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist linked to the recent protests on Columbia University’s campus. The judge convened a conference for both the administration and Khalil’s legal representatives, set for Wednesday morning in Lower Manhattan.
Judge Jesse Furman issued a directive stating that Khalil cannot be removed from the United States until the court issues a different order, thereby ensuring that the court retains jurisdiction over the case.
Khalil was apprehended on Saturday night at his university-affiliated residence by federal immigration officials. His attorney, Amy Greer, indicated that the detainment was based on a State Department directive to cancel Khalil’s student visa and green card.
Currently, Khalil is in Jena, Louisiana, where he is awaiting court proceedings that could lead to his deportation, as reported by the Associated Press.
President Trump commented on Khalil’s arrest, suggesting it may be the beginning of multiple similar actions. The Department of Homeland Security stated that Khalil’s arrest is associated with President Trump’s executive orders against anti-Semitism and accused him of participating in activities linked to Hamas, though specific charges were not disclosed.
Protesters take to the streets in Lower Manhattan
As news of the judge’s ruling spread, activists took to the streets in Manhattan to protest Khalil’s detention. Gathering at Foley Square, they called for his release and marched through the neighborhood, with reports indicating that at least one protester was arrested during the demonstration. Video footage captured from Chopper 2.
Theo Oshiro from the advocacy group Make The Road States commented on the situation, asserting that Khalil, as a legal permanent resident, is being wrongfully detained, undermining the nation’s immigration laws. He further expressed concern over Khalil’s First Amendment rights and the implications this case could have for free speech and civil activism across the country.
In a message addressing the Columbia University community, interim president Katrina Armstrong described the arrest and the recent suspension of $400 million in federal funding as a “challenging moment” for the institution. She reinforced that Columbia’s mission involves promoting freedom of expression and open inquiry, values crucial for a functional democracy. She emphasized the university’s commitment to uphold these principles and navigate the challenges ahead thoughtfully.
Armstrong stated that Columbia University will adhere to legal standards, emphasizing that law enforcement must possess a judicial warrant before entering non-public areas of the university, including residential sections.
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