Federal Judge Halts Deportation of Columbia Student Amid Protests

Federal Judge Halts Deportation of Columbia Student Amid Protests

A federal judge has mandated that immigration authorities cease their attempts to detain a Columbia University student involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. This significant ruling comes from U.S. District Judge Naomi Buchwald, issued on Tuesday following the student’s lawsuit filed just one day earlier.

Details of the Case

Yunseo Chung, a permanent resident who has resided in the U.S. since the age of seven, is taking legal action against President Trump and multiple members of his administration. The lawsuit arises from federal efforts to arrest and deport her, which her attorneys describe as an assault on her First Amendment rights.

Protests and Participation

According to the lawsuit, Chung participated in anti-Israel protests as part of a larger group of college students voicing their concerns regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While she attended the Gaza Solidarity Encampment set up on campus, it remains unclear whether she remained overnight. Notably, the lawsuit asserts that Chung refrained from making public comments or engaging in high-profile actions during these protests.

Arrest and Legal Ramifications

Despite not facing any arrest or discipline related to the encampment activities, Chung encountered law enforcement at a separate protest in 2025 at Barnard College. The lawsuit indicates that arrests are common during protests in New York City, with charges frequently being dismissed or dropped.

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement official reportedly signed an administrative arrest warrant for Chung on March 8. This event prompted federal agents to visit her parents’ home the following day in search of her.

Green Card Status in Question

The lawsuit reveals that, on March 10, an ICE official informed Chung’s attorneys that her green card had been revoked. The government possesses the authority to rescind permanent resident status under the belief that an individual has violated immigration law.

Law enforcement is alleged to have searched Chung’s dorm room on March 13 after obtaining a warrant. A senior spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security claimed that Chung had engaged in concerning behavior, referencing her previous arrest at a pro-Hamas protest.

Unfolding Impact on Student Protesters

Chung’s case represents the latest instance of an anti-Israel student protester facing the threat of deportation. Another individual, Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder married to a U.S. citizen, was arrested by ICE earlier this month and is likewise facing deportation. Khalil is accused of having a significant role in organizing anti-Israel protests at Columbia University.

The Trump administration asserts that Khalil failed to disclose his employment with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. His arrest has ignited protests throughout New York City, with demonstrators alleging that his rights to free speech are being infringed upon.

Government Response and Future Actions

Officials from the Trump administration have characterized the actions of both Khalil and Chung, along with other student demonstrators, as supportive of Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S.

A spokesperson from the DHS confirmed that they would investigate individuals involved in any activities that might endorse Hamas. Depending on these investigations, the Department of State may decide to revoke visas or take other actions that could impact the immigration status of non-citizens in the U.S.

Broader Implications for Free Speech

The chilling effect of immigration enforcement on free speech rights remains a significant concern. As events unfold, legal experts and advocates are closely watching how these cases may set precedents for similar protests and the rights of participants in expressing their views.

Chung’s situation raises important questions about the intersection of immigration law and constitutional rights. It serves as a reminder of the potential ramifications students may face when they engage in political activism, particularly in a climate where opinions on Israel and Palestine are deeply polarized.

This case will likely continue to unfold in the courts, drawing attention not only for its legal implications but also for its broader impact on free speech and activism in academic environments.

As the spotlight remains on activists like Yunseo Chung, their cases will undoubtedly trigger critical discussions regarding civil liberties in the context of protest and immigration policy in the United States.

This article reflects reports from Fox News Digital, contributed by Kitty Le Claire and Sarah Rumpf-Whitten.