Judge blocks arrest of Columbia student in free speech row
A U.S. judge has stopped the arrest of Columbia University student Yunseo Chung, who is facing deportation over her role in protests for Palestine.
A federal court in New York issued a temporary restraining order, blocking officials from detaining her.
Chung is a permanent U.S. resident from South Korea, who was targeted by immigration authorities.
Her lawyers say the government is punishing her for exercising her free speech right.
Chung’s legal team, including human rights groups, argues that the deportation violates her First Amendment rights.
They say it is part of a broader crackdown on student activists backing Palestinian rights.
The arrest warrant was issued on March 8 — the same day Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil was detained.
The Trump administration accuses some students of links to Hamas but has provided no evidence.
Chung, who has lived in the U.S. since she was seven years old, said the ruling felt like “a million pounds off my chest.”
Her lawyers called it a major win for free speech and civil rights.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as the Department of Homeland Security have not yet commented on the development.
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