A US federal judge ordered the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student, after 104 days in detention. The decision came after Judge Michael Farbiarz found that prosecutors had not provided a legitimate justification for Khalil’s continued detention.
Khalil, a legal permanent resident, was arrested in New York in March and taken to an ICE detention center in Louisiana. He claimed he was detained due to his political views and activism, despite having no evidence of any wrongdoing.
Farbiarz described the government’s efforts to keep Khalil in custody as “highly unusual” and potentially a form of punishment for his activism. The judge ruled that the government had failed to provide a legitimate reason for Khalil’s detention, citing a provision of immigration law that could be used to punish someone for their speech.
Khalil was released on bail, but his immigration proceeding will continue. His lawyers stated that he is eager to reunite with his family and expressed gratitude for the support of the American people.
This decision marks the latest setback for the Trump administration’s efforts to target international students who speak out against Israeli policies. Other targeted students have been released in recent weeks after federal courts delivered a string of defeats to the government.
The ruling sends a message that the administration should not use the immigration system to punish peaceful protesters and those who express their opinions freely. Khalil’s case has sparked widespread support from human rights organizations and advocates for free speech.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2025/06/20/mahmoud-khalil-release