Government seeks venue change for detained Columbia student's case

The U.S. government has requested that the legal case of Mahmoud Khalil, a detained Columbia University student, be moved to New Jersey or Louisiana. Khalil, a permanent resident, was arrested in New York and is facing deportation due to his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests. A federal judge has temporarily halted Khalil's deportation while his lawyers argue for his return to New York. They claim the government is retaliating against him for exercising free speech. The judge has asked the government to submit written arguments regarding the venue change. Khalil's detention has led to protests in several cities. His case has drawn mixed reactions from Jewish organizations, with some supporting the government's actions and others condemning them as an attack on free speech and democracy.