Columbia

Former Columbia Student Khalil Rescued from ICE Detention, Advocates Celebrate Release

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NEW YORK — Khalil, a former student at Columbia University, has been released from custody by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a prolonged legal battle that raised questions about immigration policies and student rights. Khalil, who had been detained for several months, was apprehended as part of heightened immigration enforcement actions. His case drew significant attention and support from various advocacy groups, including the National Lawyers Guild and the Columbia University Black Students Organization. These groups highlighted the impact of immigration enforcement on students and academic freedom. Lawyers representing Khalil confirmed his … Read more

Federal Judge Orders Release of Former Columbia Student Detained Amid Controversy Over Pro-Palestinian Protests

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NEW YORK — A federal judge has ordered the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a former graduate student at Columbia University, from immigration detention. Khalil had been held since early March as the Trump administration sought to deport him following his involvement in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz issued the order during a hearing conducted over the phone from New Jersey. He described it as “highly unusual” for the government to continue detaining a lawful permanent resident who posed no flight risk and had not been accused of any violent behavior. “He is not … Read more

Federal Judge Rules Against ICE Detention of Columbia University Student, Upholding Immigrant Rights

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A federal judge has issued an order preventing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from detaining a student at Columbia University in New York City, marking a significant moment in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement in educational institutions. This decision comes amid heightened scrutiny of ICE’s practices, particularly concerning individuals from protected groups. The student, who qualifies under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, faced potential detention while attending classes. The judge’s ruling emphasized the importance of protecting students’ rights and ensuring that educational environments remain free from the fear of deportation. … Read more

Judicial Controversy: North Dakota Judge’s Columbia University Boycott Raises Ethical Questions Amid Campus Protests

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BISMARCK, N.D. — A federal judge in North Dakota has sparked a significant debate over academic hiring practices after announcing he will not recruit law clerks from Columbia University. This decision stems from the university’s handling of protests related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The chief judge of the Eighth Circuit expressed concern that the judge’s actions may set a troubling precedent, yet he also dismissed an ethics complaint against the judge’s boycott. This measure taken by the North Dakota judge draws attention to the larger national discourse surrounding free speech and academic freedom, … Read more