A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to deport Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, who was arrested over the weekend by immigration agents.
Mr. Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and permanent US resident, played a key role in last year’s Gaza war protests at the Ivy League campus in New York City.
The arrest is part of President Donald Trump’s pledge to crackdown on pro-Palestinian protesters on college campuses, in what he called “the first arrest of many to come”.
Protesters gathered in New York City on Monday afternoon pushing for Mr Khalil’s release and condemning the Trump administration’s actions.
According to court documents, the judge set a hearing for Wednesday where he is expected to make an appearance.
His attorney claims ICE also threatened to arrest his wife, an American citizen who is eight months pregnant.
Mr. Khalil, a Palestinian refugee who was born in Syria, has not been charged with any crime.
