Hearing held on Palestinian activist's detention in Louisiana

A federal judge held a hearing on Wednesday regarding the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate. Khalil was arrested by immigration officials on Saturday and is currently held in Louisiana while facing deportation. The U.S. government claims Khalil's activism aligns with Hamas, but has not provided evidence. The judge has prevented his deportation while reviewing a legal challenge from Khalil's attorneys, who argue the government is retaliating against him for his political speech. Khalil's lawyers are seeking his return to New York to reunite with his pregnant wife. The judge has requested written arguments from the government by Friday, as protests against Khalil's arrest continue in New York City.