The buffer zone proposal has drawn a split response since its introduction in January. Many pro-Israel Jews have lauded it as a way to curb intimidation in a tense climate, while opponents say it would inappropriately clamp down on constitutionally protected speech, including against pro-Israel events.
U.S. District Judge William G. Young ruled Thursday that the government must clearly prove any arrest, detention, or change in immigration status is based on a legitimate reason unrelated to retaliation. Young wrote that any attempt to change the immigration status of plaintiffs in the landmark case against the Trump administration will be presumed to be punishment for speaking out - unless the government can show strong evidence that the action was due to a crime, an expired visa, or another valid reason.
"This legal victory reaffirms our protected rights to protest and speak out against the US-Israeli genocide of Palestinians - and we will keep exercising those rights," said Daniela Colombi, a UMD SJP member.
