Columbia student and U.S. government spar over his detention in Louisiana

Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student, is locked in a legal dispute with the U. S. government concerning his detention and imminent deportation due to his participation in protests against Israel. The government contends that overcrowding and a bedbug infestation at the Elizabeth, New Jersey facility necessitated his transfer to an immigration lockup in Louisiana. Khalil, however, claims there was no mention of bedbugs during his detention and expressed fear of immediate deportation upon being transported.

His legal representation is arguing for his release on bail while they challenge the constitutionality of his arrest, asserting it infringes upon his First Amendment rights. Khalil described his experience in a Manhattan federal court declaration, detailing the harsh conditions he faced in detention without proper sleeping arrangements. The Justice Department's lawyers provided a detailed account of Khalil's arrest and subsequent transport, highlighting the government's rationale for his relocation. This case not only impacts Khalil's future but also raises broader implications regarding the rights of noncitizens engaged in political expression in the United States. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled moving forward.