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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 legislation 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 scholar, 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 international coverage. Khalil sued to cease the deportation, and the 2 sides have been in courtroom ever since.
So what occurred this week? On Wednesday, a federal choose ordered the administration to free Khalil. However as we speak, the administration mentioned it could not free him, arguing unconvincingly that it’s nonetheless detaining Khalil for a completely 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’s going to enchantment the order to a better courtroom — and preserve Khalil detained within the meantime.
What’s the large 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 signifies that, below Donald Trump, immigrants are going through 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 concerning the new episode of At the moment, Defined. The episode is targeted 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 protected and fulfilling weekend, and I’ll see you again right here Monday.
