US court stops Trump admin from deporting Columbia University student over Gaza protests

Fear and outrage have gripped Columbia University after Palestinian graduate student Mahmoud Khalil was arrested by authorities for participating in protests against Israel’s war on Gaza. However, his deportation was halted by a judge on Monday.

Khalil’s arrest marks the first official action against a foreign student following President Donald Trump’s open declaration of a crackdown on international students protesting against Israel.

US District Court Judge Jesse Furman blocked his deportation until further notice.

Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder, graduated from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs in December. He was arrested on Saturday evening from his university-owned residence.

Read: Columbia University suspends students after they refuse to end pro-Palestine protests

Despite not being implicated in any crime, his arrest sparked widespread criticism, with many calling it unacceptable and demanding his immediate release.

It has also emerged that Columbia University has advised authorities and students on campus to cooperate with ICE and not obstruct their operations.

Notably, President Donald Trump had described Khalil’s presence in the US as "contrary to national and foreign policy interests." He also labeled him a "Radical Foreign Pro-Hamas Student" on social media.

Meanwhile, many students have confined themselves to their dormitories, with some requesting their professors to hold online classes. However, the university administration has directed faculty members to continue in-person classes.

Several international students have expressed concerns that Khalil’s arrest is just the beginning and fear that others may also be targeted and falsely labeled as anti-Semitic, even if they have not participated in protests.

Additionally, around 60 universities across the US have received warnings to sever ties with anti-Israel groups or risk losing federal funding. Authorities are actively searching for students who participated in pro-Gaza rallies, while activists and politicians in the US have criticised Trump’s stance.