Lawyers seek release of detained Columbia activist Khalil

Mahmoud Khalil's lawyers have filed a petition for his immediate release, claiming his arrest violated his First and Fifth Amendment rights. Khalil, a former Columbia University student, has not been charged with any crime. Khalil was detained on March 8 and is currently held in Louisiana. His lawyers argue that his arrest is retaliation for his activism and protected speech regarding Israel and Palestine. Columbia University also announced disciplinary actions against students involved in pro-Palestinian protests last spring. Khalil is scheduled to appear before an immigration judge on March 27.