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Welcome to The Logoff: The Trump administration is defying a federal choose’s order that it free a pro-Palestinian activist, attacking each the rule of regulation and the Structure’s assure of free speech.
Catch me up? In March, the Trump administration arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and former Columbia College pupil, and designated him for deportation over his participation in campus protests. Mahmoud was a authorized everlasting US resident, however the administration argued it has the best to revoke Khalil’s inexperienced card on the grounds that his presence constitutes a menace to US overseas coverage. Khalil sued to cease the deportation, and the 2 sides have been in court docket ever since.
So what occurred this week? On Wednesday, a federal choose ordered the administration to free Khalil. However in the present day, the administration mentioned it might not free him, arguing unconvincingly that it’s nonetheless detaining Khalil for a totally different violation. (The choose’s ruling to free Khalil explicitly anticipated this technique and described it as legally unsound.)
What’s subsequent? The administration says that it’ll enchantment the order to a better court docket — and preserve Khalil detained within the meantime.
What’s the massive image? If Khalil had performed all the identical protest actions on behalf of a trigger favored by the administration, he’d nonetheless be free. That implies that, underneath Donald Trump, immigrants are dealing with penalties for expressing political views that the administration objects to — a transparent violation of the First Modification.
And with that, it’s time to log out…
I’m in determined want of an extended stroll with my canine and a podcast, so I’m excited in regards to the new episode of In the present day, Defined. The episode is concentrated on Dropout, a streaming platform whose followers are so devoted that a few of them are literally asking to pay extra for the service. (You may pay attention on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and elsewhere.) I hope everybody has a secure and fulfilling weekend, and I’ll see you again right here Monday.
