A federal judge in Manhattan has put a temporary hold on the deportation of Syrian national Mahmoud Khalil, a former student at Columbia University.
Khalil was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on Saturday night.
However, support for the anti-Israel activist has grown among the Left.
Khalil’s arrest for leading anti-Israel protests has ignited a significant backlash from leftists.
A federal judge determined Khalil should not be deported until further legal proceedings are completed, pending a hearing set for Wednesday, Fox News reported.
Khalil was apprehended on the Upper West Side of New York City last Saturday.
His initial detainment led him to the Lasalle Detention Facility in Louisiana.
The move prompted his attorney to file a motion for his return to New York during legal proceedings.
Khalil’s lawyer argues that his client is a legal permanent resident, contradicting any claims of him being on a student visa.
However, Khalil’s green card was revoked by federal authorities.
His lawyer also claims Khalil’s arrest was an illegal act motivated by his leadership of pro-Hamas protests.
Several Democrat politicians have expressed opposition to the arrest and are voicing concerns about potential rights violations.
Among the supporters is Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MN), who criticized targeting individuals based on political expressions.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) emphasized that Khalil’s actions, if in conflict with university policies, should be addressed within the proper disciplinary channels.
Another voice in Khalil’s defense is anti-Trump New York State Attorney General Letitia James.
The Democrat prosecutor claims Khalil has permanent residency credentials, despite his green card being revoked.
She expressed apprehensions regarding his detention, signaling the need for careful judicial consideration.
Hundreds of pro-Hamas activists gathered in New York City for well-funded and organized protests over Khalil’s detention.
Khalil’s wife has also become vocal during the protests, demanding that he be allowed to stay.
However, many are calling for the foreign national to be deported after he stired up anti-Semitism on America’s college campuses.
Many argue that he abused his right to remain in the country by leading un-American pro-Hamas protests.
President Donald Trump has commented publicly on Khalil’s detainment.
Trump sees his deportation as part of a broader attempt to address alleged terrorist sympathies tied to movements within educational institutions.
His statement implies a focus on further actions aimed at similar cases in the future.
As Khalil awaits his upcoming court hearing, the mix of public support, legal battles, and government rhetoric suggests continued debate over the balance between national security and constitutional freedoms.
The outcome could have further implications for political activism and how it is managed in the United States.
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