Judge halts deportation of activist Mahmoud Khalil in U.S

A federal judge has ruled that Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil cannot be deported from the U.S. while his case is being reviewed. Khalil was detained by immigration agents on Saturday, with officials citing his support for Hamas as the reason for his arrest. Protests demanding Khalil's release took place in New York City, with hundreds participating. Demonstrators criticized the government's actions, calling them a violation of free speech rights. Khalil's attorney has filed a petition challenging his detention. Khalil, a Columbia University graduate, was arrested after helping organize pro-Palestinian rallies. His attorney claims he is a permanent resident, but he was still detained. The Department of Homeland Security stated the arrest was part of efforts against individuals supporting designated terrorist organizations.