A US federal court has temporarily stopped the Trump administration’s attempt to detain and deport Yunseo Chung, a 21-year-old South Korean student at Columbia University. Chung was targeted by federal authorities for her alleged involvement in pro-Palestinian protests, which Trump claims undermined US foreign policy.
Judge Issues Temporary Restraining Order
Judge Naomi Buchwald issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on Tuesday, blocking the government from detaining or deporting Chung. “Defendants-Respondents are enjoined from detaining the Plaintiff-Petitioner pending further order of this Court,” the order stated.
Trump’s Campaign Against Pro-Palestinian Protests
Trump has intensified his crackdown on student activists involved in pro-Palestinian protests, specifically targeting Columbia University, which he labeled as the “epicenter” of the US student protest movement over Israel’s war with Hamas. He cut $400 million in federal funds from Columbia, claiming the university failed to protect Jewish students from harassment.
Critics Warn of Free Speech Violations
Critics argue that the Trump administration’s actions amount to retribution and could stifle free speech on US campuses. Columbia professors and academic associations have filed lawsuits challenging the administration’s policies. The American Association of University Professors and the American Federation of Teachers have asked a New York judge to restore the funding and declare Trump’s actions unconstitutional.
Authorities Also Target Mahmoud Khalil
Authorities had earlier detained Columbia graduate student Mahmoud Khalil, another leader of the protest movement, under the same justification used to target Chung. Khalil remains in detention in Louisiana while lawyers seek his release.
Trump Administration’s Justification
The Trump administration maintains that these measures are necessary to restore order on campuses and protect Jewish students. However, Chung’s lawyers argue that using immigration enforcement as a punishment for political views is unconstitutional.
Columbia’s Concessions to Trump Administration
In response to Trump’s actions, Columbia University recently announced measures to define anti-Semitism, increase oversight of specific academic departments, and regulate campus protests. While these steps fell short of Trump’s demands, the administration welcomed Columbia’s proposals.
