DAVID MUIR: Tonight, hundreds of supporters are demanding the release of a former Columbia grad student and pro-Palestinian activist arrested by ICE agents, saying this is an attack on free speech. His American wife, 8 months pregnant, pleading for his release tonight. The Trump administration calling him a national security threat. Here’s Aaron Katersky.
PROTESTERS: Down, down with deportation!
AARON KATERSKY: Tonight, with hundreds of protesters in New York City clamoring for the release of pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, a federal judge is now weighing his bid for freedom. Khalil, a former Columbia grad student, was the lead negotiator during demonstrations that took over the campus last spring. He’s a green card owner with no criminal record, but his lawyer says federal immigration agents identified, targered, and detained Khalil simply because he advocated for Palestinians.
RAMZI KASSEM: This is an America- he’s a U.S. person. He's a lawful permanent resident who’s been separated from his family.
KATERSKY:: The Trump administration argues it has the right to deport Khalil, calling him a national security threat.
MARCO RUBIO: This is not about free speech. This is about people that don't have a right to be in the United States to begin with.
TOM HOMAN: When you go to college campuses, you incite protesting, and locking down and taking over buildings, and damaging property and handing out leaflets for Hamas, who is a terrorist organization. Coming to this country either on a visa or becoming a resident alien is a great privilege. But there are rules associated with that.
KATERSKY: Khalil’s wife, who is eight months pregnant, was in the front row at the hearing today. Her lawyer reading a statement.
SHEZZA ABOUSHI DALAL (READING STATEMENT): It's shameful that the United States Government continues to hold him because he stood for the rights and lives of his people. I demand his immediate release and return to our family.
KATERSKY: His lawyers say they’ve been unable to even talk to Khalil privately since his arrest. David, the judge said they must be allowed a phone call tonight, but for the foreseeable future Khalil will remain in custody at an ICE detention facility in Louisiana. David.
