LIVE: Thunderous Protests Erupt Outside NJ Court as Activists Rally for Mahmoud Khalil’s Freedom

March 29, 2025 – Newark, New Jersey

In a dramatic scene unfolding outside the federal courthouse in Newark, New Jersey, hundreds of demonstrators have gathered to demand the immediate release of Mahmoud Khalil, the former Columbia University student currently held in federal immigration custody.

On-the-Scene Developments
Eyewitnesses report that a diverse group of students, human rights advocates, and local community members are voicing their opposition to what they call an unjust detention. Chanting slogans like “Free Mahmoud Khalil Now!” and “Justice for Khalil,” the protesters are making their voices heard in a powerful call for the protection of free speech and due process.

Courtroom Proceedings
Inside the courthouse, the judge has begun hearing arguments regarding the court’s jurisdiction over Khalil’s case—specifically whether the matter should remain in New Jersey or be transferred to Louisiana, where Khalil is currently detained. Khalil’s legal team is prepared to argue for his release on the grounds that the detention undermines his constitutional right to protest and free expression.

Community Response
Local rights groups and civil liberties organizations have condemned Khalil’s detention, asserting that this case sets a dangerous precedent for suppressing dissent. Community activists emphasize that the ongoing protest is not only a stand against Khalil’s detention but also a broader demand for the protection of free speech rights across the country.

Live Updates
10:00 AM: The protest continues to swell with hundreds of supporters, with dynamic banners and evolving chants echoing the call for justice.

10:30 AM: Court officials announced that the hearing could extend for over an hour as the judge carefully reviews the jurisdictional issues at stake.

10:45 AM: Organizers report plans for a series of cultural events designed to spotlight the cause and build international solidarity.

Expert Commentary
Legal experts stress that today’s proceedings are crucial not only for Khalil’s case but for safeguarding fundamental civil liberties. “This is a pivotal moment where the integrity of our legal system and the right to free expression are being put to the test,” one local legal analyst remarked.