A federal judge in New Jersey has ordered the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist who had been detained by immigration authorities since March. Khalil’s detention was linked to his participation in protests advocating for Palestinian rights at Columbia University. The judge’s decision to grant him bail came after his lawyers challenged his detention in court.
Khalil’s case has drawn significant attention, particularly because he was the first known activist to have his immigration status revoked by the Trump administration due to his political activities. His situation escalated when he was denied the chance to be present for the birth of his first child in April, which further highlighted the emotional toll of his detention.
After the ruling, Khalil expressed relief outside the detention facility in Louisiana, stating, “Justice prevailed, but it’s very long overdue. This shouldn’t have taken three months.” He will be returning to New York to reunite with his family, as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has been advocating for his release and emphasizing the importance of free speech rights.
The judge, Michael Farbiarz, dismissed a government request to delay the release, insisting that Khalil must be freed after finalizing the terms with a magistrate court. Despite this, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expressed disagreement with the ruling, claiming that only an immigration judge has the authority to determine Khalil’s detention status.
Khalil’s case is part of a broader trend where several students involved in political protests have faced similar actions from immigration authorities. Advocates argue that these actions violate the First Amendment, as they appear to target individuals for their political beliefs. Khalil’s release has been seen as a significant win for free speech advocates, with his case symbolizing the ongoing struggle against perceived governmental overreach in immigration matters.