Federal court blocks deportation of Palestinian student activist

A federal court is now involved in the case of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University student arrested by U.S. authorities. A judge has temporarily blocked his deportation and scheduled a hearing for Wednesday. Khalil's arrest is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to deport foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests. His lawyers argue that his detention is illegal and retaliatory, claiming it violates his First Amendment rights. Khalil was moved to a federal jail in Louisiana, complicating access for his legal team. U.S. officials have stated they will revoke visas and green cards of those supporting Hamas, but legal experts note that such actions typically require criminal charges. Khalil has not been charged with any crime.