Judge to hear arguments over detained former Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil

Lawyers for an activist who led pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University are expected to face off Wednesday in court with federal officials who want him deported.

A federal judge on Monday temporarily halted Mahmoud Khalil's removal, barring the government from deporting him before Wednesday's hearing in New York.

Khalil was arrested by federal immigration authorities Saturday night at his university-owned apartment. Amy Greer, Khalil's attorney, said officials were acting on a State Department order to revoke Khalil's student visa and green card. Khalil was sent to a detention center in Jena, Louisiana. He will not be present at the New York hearing, his lawyers said.