Judge Halts Deportation of Palestinian Student Amid Campus Protests

A U.S. judge temporarily halted the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student at Columbia University, amid accusations of antisemitism and protests. The Trump administration's crackdown on anti-Israel demonstrators has led to legal challenges and public outcry, highlighting tensions between free speech rights and government policies.

A U.S. judge has ordered a temporary halt to the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student from Columbia University. This decision comes amid President Donald Trump's heightened measures against anti-Israel protesters, which have sparked legal and public challenges.

Khalil, who previously held legal permanent resident status, was detained Saturday, triggering protests and denouncements from civil liberties groups. U.S. District Court Judge Jesse Furman decided to postpone Khalil's deportation while legal proceedings continue. His detention is part of escalating tensions between free speech advocates and federal policies addressing alleged antisemitism on college campuses.

The Education Department has warned several major universities, including Columbia, of potential funding cuts unless they tackle antisemitism allegations. Meanwhile, the backlash against Khalil's arrest continues to grow, with Jewish and pro-Palestinian groups rallying in his support, challenging the conflation of government criticism with antisemitism.

(With inputs from agencies.)