Protesters Demand Release of Mahmoud Khalil in Times Square

Protesters gathered in Times Square to demand the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student facing deportation due to his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests. A ruling by a Louisiana immigration judge has allowed the Trump administration to proceed with efforts to deport Khalil, who has been detained since March 8. Supporters argue that Khalil's detention is an attack on free speech and a dangerous precedent for dissent against U.S. foreign policy. Protesters, including notable activist Linda Sarsour, emphasized that this situation threatens the rights of all Americans to express their views. Khalil's lawyers contend that the deportation decision undermines constitutional rights, noting that even extremist groups are allowed to demonstrate in the U.S. The case has sparked widespread concern about the implications for other immigrant activists in the country.