US Judge Blocks Detention of Anti-Genocide Student Facing Deportation

New York (Quds News Network)- A US federal judge has temporarily blocked the detention of Yunseo Chung, a 21-year-old anti-genocide Columbia University student and permanent US resident, as she fights deportation.

Chung, who has lived in the US since childhood, sued the Trump administration this week, arguing that immigration authorities are targeting her for her pro-Palestinian activism. Her lawsuit argues that the government is punishing individuals who protest in support of Palestinian rights.

US District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald issued a temporary restraining order on Tuesday, preventing federal agents from detaining Chung. She questioned why immigration officials were pursuing her case, noting that there was no evidence of violence or foreign threats linked to her actions. A court hearing is set for May 20.

Chung has been an outspoken critic of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. She was arrested during a campus protest at Barnard College and later placed on interim suspension by Columbia University. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials attempted to detain her earlier this month, revoking her permanent residency status, according to court documents.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims Chung engaged in “concerning conduct,” citing her arrest at the Barnard protest, which the agency labeled “pro-Hamas.” US President Trump has vowed to deport foreign nationals who support anti-genocide and pro-Palestine protests, accusing them of aiding Hamas and threatening US foreign policy.

Chung’s attorneys argue that the government is violating her constitutional rights. “She’s a student exercising her right to protest, like generations before her. The Trump administration wants to punish her for that,” said her lawyer, Ramzi Kassem.

Chung’s case is part of a broader effort to remove noncitizens involved in pro-Palestine demonstrations. Other students, including Mahmoud Khalil and Badar Khan Suri, have also been arrested or face deportation.

Federal agents have searched multiple residences at Columbia University in connection with the protests. Chung’s lawsuit names several high-ranking officials, including President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as defendants.

The Department of Justice defended its actions, stating, “We will not apologize for enforcing immigration laws and protecting Jewish Americans from antisemitism.”

Chung’s legal team is seeking to block her deportation and challenge the unconstitutional policy of targeting activists. The case has drawn widespread attention, with human rights advocates condemning the government’s actions.

The court will decide on the next steps in the coming weeks.