The arrest of Columbia University student activist Mahmoud Khalil, who has positioned himself as a political prisoner, has sparked significant debate over free speech and immigration rights. A New Jersey judge has authorized his deportation case to proceed there, while protestors rally in support of Khalil, labeling him a victim of anti-Palestinian racism. Khalil, who has been detained by ICE, continues to assert his innocence and readiness to fight the charges against him. Critics, including political figures and academic communities, argue that his case exemplifies the broader issues concerning immigration law and the limits of free expression in the current political landscape. Protests have occurred, notably in Times Square, demanding his release and highlighting the implications of his detention for activists and immigrant rights.