Federal judge blocks detention of Columbia anti-Israel protester Yunseu Chung
Share this @internewscast.com

A federal judge has instructed immigration authorities to halt their attempts to detain a Columbia University student involved in pro-Palestinian protests. U.S. District Judge Naomi Buchwald issued this restraining order on Tuesday, just a day after the student initiated her lawsuit.

Yunseo Chung, who has been residing in the U.S. since she was seven, is suing President Donald Trump and several of his administration’s officials following federal attempts to arrest and deport her. Chung’s legal team argues in the lawsuit that pursuing the Columbia student represents an “unjustifiable assault on First Amendment rights.”

The lawsuit indicates that Chung was merely a participant in the anti-Israel demonstrations and not a leader, being “one of a large group of college students” who shared “concerns” regarding the Gaza conflict. It notes that Chung “visited” the Gaza Solidarity Encampment, consisting of multiple tents at the campus’s center but does not clarify if she stayed there overnight. The lawsuit emphasizes that Chung refrained from making any public statements or engaging in high-profile protest activities.

A pro-Palestinian demonstrator

A pro-Palestinian demonstrator holds a flag on the rooftop of Hamilton Hall at Columbia University in New York, on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.  (Yuki Iwamura/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

“Yunseo Chung has engaged in concerning conduct, including when she was arrested by NYPD during a pro-Hamas protest at Barnard College. She is being sought for removal proceedings under the immigration law,” a senior DHS spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “Chung will have an opportunity to present her case before an immigration judge.”

Chung is the latest anti-Israel student protester to face possible deportation.

Mahmoud Khalil, who is a green card holder and the spouse of a U.S. citizen, was arrested by ICE earlier this month and faces deportation. Khalil is accused of playing a major role in anti-Israel protests at Columbia University.

The Trump administration claims Khalil did not disclose his employment with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). His arrest sparked protests across New York City, with many saying that the Trump administration was violating his right to free speech.

Mahmoud Khalil protest

People demonstrate outside Thurgood Marshall United States Courthouse, on the day of a hearing on the detention of Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil, in New York City, U.S., March 12, 2025. (REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton)

The Trump administration has deemed that Khalil and Chung’s actions, and those of other student protesters, were in support of Hamas, a U.S.-designated terror organization.

“ICE HSI will investigate individuals engaged in activities in support of Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization. Based on investigative findings, the Department of State may make a determination which may result in visa revocation or other action impacting the immigration status of an alien in the U.S. Upon the determination from the Department of State, ICE will take appropriate enforcement actions,” a DHS spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

Fox News Digital’s Kitty Le Claire and Sarah Rumpf-Whitten contributed to this report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Trump Issues Executive Order to Halt Collective Bargaining in National Security Agencies

President Donald Trump moved Thursday to end collective bargaining with federal labor unions…

Anna Wintour Praises Fashion’s Most Influential Power Couple

Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour has revealed why she believes Rihanna and A$AP…

Authorities on High Alert for Tesla ‘Global Day of Action’ Following National Incidents and Arrests

While Americans are eager to embrace the inviting spring weather this weekend,…

Devastating 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Thailand and Burma, Leaving Over 150 Dead and Buildings in Ruins

A devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Thailand and Burma on Friday, resulting…

Trump Administration Appoints Andrew Boutros as Interim US Attorney for Northern District of Illinois: I-Team

CHICAGO (WLS) — The White House named Andrew Boutros the interim U.S.…

Lululemon Stock Falls 15% Amid CEO’s Warning of Inflation and Economic Worries Impacting Consumer Spending

Lululemon beat Wall Street expectations for fiscal fourth-quarter earnings and revenue, but issued…

Bill Maher Mocks Trump Administration for Yemen Attack Plan Leaks: “They’re Using Emojis”

In the latest installment of HBO’s Real Time, Bill Maher quickly addressed…

U.S. Naval Academy Halts Affirmative Action in Student Admissions

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The U.S. Naval Academy will no longer consider race,…

Oakbrook Terrace Police Department Chief Casey Calvello and Deputy Chief David Clark to be Reinstated; Union Describes Workplace as ‘Toxic’

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. (WLS) — The controversy surrounding a west suburban police…

Eerie Conversation Between Gene Hackman’s Daughter and Officer on Actor’s Dogs’ Fate

Gene Hackman’s grieving daughter asked strangers to help take care of her…

The Distressed Look of a Glamorous 32-Year-Old Female Start-Up CEO Facing Imprisonment Until Old Age

A glamorous businesswoman who once made Forbes ’30 Under 30′ list looks set…

Scientists Explain the Severity of the Myanmar Earthquake and Warn of Potential Future Risks

Thousands are feared dead after a massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar…