Protests erupt in New York over activist's arrest
Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and recent Columbia University graduate, was arrested by U.S. immigration officials over the weekend. The Department of Homeland Security claims he led activities aligned with Hamas, despite his permanent residency status. President Donald Trump stated this arrest is the first of many, targeting students involved in protests against Israel. A federal judge has ordered a halt to deportation proceedings against Khalil, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for Wednesday. The arrest has sparked protests in New York, with over 1,000 people expressing outrage. Rights groups, including the ACLU, condemned the action as an attack on free speech, while the United Nations emphasized the importance of respecting freedom of expression.