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Welcome to The Logoff: The Trump administration is defying a federal decide’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 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 precise to revoke Khalil’s inexperienced card on the grounds that his presence constitutes a risk 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 decide ordered the administration to free Khalil. However right this moment, the administration stated it might not free him, arguing unconvincingly that it’s nonetheless detaining Khalil for a totally different violation. (The decide’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 the next courtroom — and preserve Khalil detained within the meantime.
What’s the large image? If Khalil had carried out all the identical protest actions on behalf of a trigger favored by the administration, he’d nonetheless be free. That implies that, below 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 sign off…
I’m in determined want of a protracted stroll with my canine and a podcast, so I’m excited concerning the new episode of As we speak, 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.
