Judge Blocks Deportation of Columbia Activist Mahmoud Khalil

Federal Judge Jesse Furman has temporarily blocked the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and pro-Palestine activist, following his arrest by ICE agents over the weekend. Khalil, who is a green card holder, was taken into custody amid claims by the Trump administration that he engaged in activities aligned with Hamas, a designation they consider a terrorist organization. His detention has sparked significant backlash from civil rights groups and raised concerns about the legality of the actions taken by ICE agents, who reportedly ignored his legal status during the arrest. The judge's ruling prevents any deportation until at least a court hearing scheduled for March 12. President Trump has expressed support for Khalil's arrest, framing it as part of a broader crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism in the U.S. Khalil's legal team argues that the allegations against him are unfounded and politically motivated, with calls for his immediate release increasing.