Judge blocks deportation of pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate, while reviewing his petition against his arrest by ICE agents. Khalil was detained over the weekend. Protests demanding Khalil's release took place in Lower Manhattan, with demonstrators asserting their right to free speech. Khalil, a green card holder, is currently held in Louisiana without formal charges. Columbia University has increased security measures in response to the situation. Khalil's case marks the first known deportation attempt under the Trump administration's crackdown on student protests related to the Gaza conflict.