Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University

Rule Changes

Filed amicus brief arguing for warrant requirement

Travelers flying into airports in New York, Connecticut, and Vermont can now have their cellphones searched at the border with no warrant and no suspicion. The Second Circuit ruled September 17 that the Fourth Amendment's border search exception covers manual phone inspections at ports of entry.

Updated Sep 18

Rule Changes

Lead counsel in AAUP v. Rubio lawsuit

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 gave the Secretary of State power to deport noncitizens whose presence threatens U.S. foreign policy. For seven decades, this Cold War-era statute gathered dust until March 8, 2025, when ICE arrested Mahmoud Khalil—a Columbia graduate student and green card holder—from his apartment for his role negotiating on behalf of pro-Palestinian protesters.

Updated May 21

Rule Changes

Counsel for NAIJ pressing First Amendment and public-right-to-hear arguments

Immigration judges say the Justice Department has effectively muzzled them: speak publicly about immigration and you need permission, and what you say can be steered into "agency talking points." The Trump administration's response has been procedural. You don't get federal court—go through the civil-service machinery first.

Updated May 15