Lawyers representing Mahmoud Khalil, an activist involved in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, are gearing up for a courtroom battle against federal officials seeking his deportation. A federal judge stepped in on Monday, halting his removal and ensuring he can stay in the U.S. at least until Wednesday’s hearing in New York.
Khalil was arrested at his university apartment over the weekend. His lawyer, Amy Greer, claims the U.S. government is trying to revoke his student visa and green card based on a State Department order. Khalil is currently detained in Jena, Louisiana, and won’t attend the hearing as stated by his legal team.
Recently graduated with a master’s degree from Columbia University, Khalil is married to an American citizen who is pregnant. His arrest has drawn significant attention, especially since President Trump claimed it was just the beginning of a crackdown on students he labels as “agitators” protesting Israel’s actions.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt remarked that Khalil misused the privilege of studying in the U.S. by allegedly supporting terrorism. She pointed out that Khalil distributed flyers on campus that were pro-Hamas. However, it’s essential to note that while he faces these serious accusations, he has not been charged with providing actual material support.
Khalil’s lawyers argue that this case is an attack on free speech. They stated that he was being targeted to suppress lawful dissent, a key right protected by the First Amendment. This sentiment is echoed by many who view the arrest as part of a broader trend. A Department of Homeland Security statement connected Khalil’s arrest to President Trump’s executive orders against antisemitism, highlighting the contentious atmosphere surrounding the issue. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the U.S. would revoke visas of those found to support Hamas.
The response from the Columbia community has been mixed. Some students and faculty have protested Khalil’s arrest, and interim president Katrina Armstrong described the situation as a “challenging moment” for the university. The federal government has threatened to withhold $400 million in funding over claims of antisemitism on campus, further intensifying the debate within the academic community.
This incident underscores the current tension in U.S. universities regarding free expression and political activism. According to a recent survey by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), about 50% of students feel uncomfortable expressing their views, fearing backlash. As the dialogue around these issues continues, eyes remain on how universities like Columbia handle such challenging circumstances while respecting both free speech and safety.
For the latest updates on this unfolding story, stay connected to trustworthy news outlets like CBS News and other reliable resources.
Source link
