NEW YORK (TNN) – A federal judge in New York has issued a ruling temporarily blocking the Trump administration’s efforts to deport Palestinian activist and Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil. The activist, known for his role in campus protests calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, was detained by federal immigration authorities on Saturday night.

Legal Ruling Delays Deportation

According to court documents, Khalil was arrested as part of a broader effort to revoke his U.S. residency. Authorities claim the decision to cancel his green card was based on an order from the State Department. However, Khalil’s legal team argues that the arrest is politically motivate…

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to deport Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after leading student protests against Israel’s war in Gaza. The decision raises concerns that immigration laws are being weaponized to suppress political dissent, signaling a troubling shift toward authoritarian tactics.

Khalil was apprehended on March 8 by plainclothes ICE agents as he and his pregnant wife returned to their Columbia University-owned apartment in New York City. His green card was revoked on the spot, and his wife—an American citizen—was threatened with arrest if she objected. According to Khalil’s attorney, ICE officers failed to provide valid legal documentation for his detention, instead displaying a picture of a warrant on a phone, which is legally insufficient.

The Trump administration swiftly framed Khalil’s arrest as part of a broader crackdown on student activists. On Truth Social, Trump referred to Khalil as a “Radical Foreign Pro-Hamas Student” and warned:

“This is the first arrest of many to come. We know there are more students at Columbia and other universities across the country engaged in pro-terrorist, anti-Semitic, anti-American activity, and the Trump Administration will not tolerate it.”

Despite these assertions, no evidence has been presented linking Khalil to illegal activity or terrorism. Legal experts argue that deporting a green card holder for political speech is unconstitutional. Stephen Yale-Loehr, a retired immigration law professor at Cornell, explained:

“The government would need to prove he provided material support to Hamas. Advocacy alone does not justify deportation.”

After Khalil’s lawyers filed a habeas corpus petition, U.S. District Court Judge Jesse Furman ruled that Khalil cannot be removed from the U.S. while the case is under review. The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, where his legal team will argue that his detention is politically motivated and unconstitutional.

Civil rights groups and activists have strongly condemned the Trump administration’s actions. Protests erupted in New York City, with thousands gathering at Foley Square and marching to City Hall to demand Khalil’s release. One protester was reportedly detained.

The New York City chapter of the Palestinian Youth Movement released a statement on Instagram:

“We refuse to remain silent as these attacks on our rights escalate. Together, we will resist the Trump administration’s disgraceful agenda.”

Jewish and civil liberties organizations have also voiced outrage. Jewish Voice for Peace warned:

“Trump’s authoritarian crackdown targets those most vulnerable and those fighting for justice. We must resist efforts to silence dissent.”

Columbia University has yet to issue a strong response, only stating that law enforcement requires a warrant to enter campus property. Meanwhile, legal experts caution that Khalil’s case could set a dangerous precedent, paving the way for increased repression of student activists and political dissenters.

Khalil’s next hearing will determine whether the Trump administration can proceed with its deportation attempt. His legal team continues