A federal judge has rejected an attempt to stop the detention of Cornell graduate student Momodou Taal, who faces deportation amid claims of political retaliation, according to court records.
Taal’s lawyers allege the deportation stems from a lawsuit filed against Trump-era executive orders they argue violate pro-Palestine activists’ free speech rights. But Judge Elizabeth Coombe ruled the court lacks jurisdiction over immigration proceedings, noting the case raises complex constitutional issues.
Taal’s visa was revoked just before the lawsuit was filed, and federal agents have since sought his surrender. His legal team plans to continue fighting the deportation and the executive orders in court.
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