US Judge Orders Release of Pro-Palestinian Activist Khalil After Months in Detention
In a major victory for human rights organizations, Pro-Palestinian Activist Khalil walked free from a Louisiana immigrant detention facility on Friday after spending more than three months in custody. The decision followed an order by US District Judge Michael Farbiarz, who ruled that the government had failed to prove Khalil was either a flight risk or a danger to the public.
Pro-Palestinian Activist Khalil: Detention Sparks Outrage and Legal Battle
Khalil, a Columbia University graduate, was arrested on March 8 by immigration officers inside his university residence in Manhattan. His arrest came amid an aggressive policy by the Trump administration targeting foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian protests against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. President Donald Trump previously labeled these demonstrations as antisemitic and vowed to deport international students participating in them. Pro-Palestinian Activist Khalil became the first prominent individual targeted under this controversial policy.
Following his release, Khalil stood outside the detention center in Jena, Louisiana, wearing a keffiyeh and raising his fist, expressing both relief and frustration. “Although justice prevailed, it was long overdue. This should never have taken over three months,” he told reporters.
Free Speech and Constitutional Rights at the Core
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which represented Khalil, argued that his detention was a direct violation of his First Amendment rights. “The government cannot abuse immigration laws to silence speech it disapproves of,” stated Noor Zafar, senior staff attorney at the ACLU. The judge agreed, noting that punishing someone through civil immigration law for political speech is unconstitutional.
The Trump administration argued that Khalil should be deported for allegedly providing false information on his permanent residency application. However, Judge Farbiarz emphasized the rarity of detention in such cases and found the government’s justification lacking.
Family Reunited After 104 Days
During Khalil’s 104-day detention, his wife, Dr. Noor Abdalla, gave birth to their first child. Both mother and son, US citizens, were eagerly awaiting his return to New York. “This ruling does not erase the injustice our family endured,” said Abdalla in a statement. “But today, we celebrate Mahmoud’s freedom and the community that stood with us.”
Government Response and Ongoing Legal Battle
Despite his release, Khalil’s immigration case remains unresolved. The White House strongly criticized Judge Farbiarz’s ruling, claiming the judge lacked jurisdiction and promising to appeal. “We expect to be vindicated,” said White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson.
Protesters, including several Jewish advocacy groups, continue to argue that criticism of Israeli policies is wrongly conflated with antisemitism. “No one is illegal,” Pro-Palestinian Activist Khalil declared. “The Trump administration dehumanizes many people here. This country must live up to its values of freedom and justice.”
