Columbia protester faces deportation after ICE arrest

Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder and Palestinian activist, was arrested by ICE while returning to his Columbia University apartment. He faces deportation after being accused of leading protests that allegedly supported Hamas. A federal judge has temporarily blocked his expulsion. Khalil, who completed his master's degree in December, was detained after officials claimed his student visa was revoked. His lawyers argue that the government is violating his rights and targeting his free speech. Khalil's wife, who is pregnant, is seeking his return to New York. Khalil is currently held at a federal immigration facility in Louisiana. His initial court appearance is pending, and a hearing is scheduled for Wednesday to review his case.