The Columbia University grad is set to appear before an immigration judge on April 8 for removal proceedings.
The attorney for Mahmoud Khalil, the pro-Palestinian Columbia University grad detained by federal agents three weeks ago, told Newsweek Friday that he believed the government was trying to delay the case in the hope the public would forget and move on.
Speaking outside the U.S. Federal Court in Newark, New Jersey, Baher Azmy said he was hopeful the judge would move quickly on a decision on whether the case should be heard in the state rather than in Louisiana, which the Trump administration wants.
«Then, very soon thereafter, a pending motion for bail for release, given that he’s got zero criminal record, that this is a purely retaliatory arrest, he’s in confinement for no good reason, he’s not a flight risk», Azmy told Newsweek. «Most fundamentally and heartbreakingly, his wife is due to give birth in weeks.»Why It Matters
In the nearly three weeks since Khalil’s arrest at Columbia University, other students who took part in pro-Palestinian protests or activities have been detained by federal agents and their visas revoked. The Trump administration argues that they showed support for Hamas, going against U.S. foreign policy.What To Know
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside a courthouse in Newark, New Jersey, to show their support for Khalil. Many waved Palestinian flags and held signs with messages like, «Protesting against genocide is not a crime», «ICE off our campuses», and «Free Mahmoud.»
Chants of «Release Mahmoud now» echoed through the crowd as federal government attorneys argued inside the court that the Syrian national, who has a U.S. Green Card, should have his case heard in Louisiana, where he remains in ICE detention.
New York Judge Jesse Furman had transferred the case to New Jersey, but a fight has ensued over which court has jurisdiction.
