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Judge Halts Deportation of Columbia Activist, Sparks Free Speech Debate

6/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A federal judge has granted Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University activist, a reprieve from deportation, challenging U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's claims against him. Detained since March, Khalil vehemently denies allegations of terrorism support. This ruling, now under appeal, raises critical questions about free speech and the potential fallout on Khalil's future.

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Story summary

A federal judge has granted Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University activist, a reprieve from deportation, challenging U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's claims against him. Detained since March, Khalil vehemently denies allegations of terrorism support. This ruling, now under appeal, raises critical questions about free speech and the potential fallout on Khalil's future.