⚖️ Judge Frees Columbia Student Mahmoud Khalil from Detention Over Protest Role
Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student detained in March over his role in pro-Palestinian protests, has been ordered released by a federal judge in New Jersey.
U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz ruled that the U.S. government failed to justify Khalil’s continued detention, stating the student is “not a danger to the community. Period, full stop.” The judge also concluded Khalil posed no flight risk.
Arrest Sparked by Trump Crackdown on Student Protesters
Khalil’s March 8 arrest marked the first under President Trump’s renewed immigration enforcement targeting campus demonstrators critical of Israel’s war in Gaza. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had pushed for Khalil’s deportation, claiming his presence threatened U.S. foreign policy.
But Farbiarz had already ruled those claims insufficient for deportation. The government has since pivoted to arguing that Khalil lied on his green card application — a charge he denies.
Judge Weighs Family Ties, Public Profile
Khalil’s attorneys requested his release or a transfer to New Jersey to be near his wife and newborn son, both U.S. citizens. The judge agreed, citing Khalil’s prominent public role and lack of a criminal record.
Khalil, a student of international affairs, had acted as a spokesperson and negotiator during peaceful campus demonstrations but was never arrested at the events. His high-profile visibility and vocal stance in media coverage, however, made him a target of critics and government scrutiny.
Advocates Say Free Speech Under Attack
Khalil’s legal team and civil liberties advocates argue that the Trump administration’s effort to deport him is a blatant suppression of free speech.
“This is not about national security — it’s about silencing dissent,” said one of Khalil’s lawyers.
Despite no charges of violence or property damage, federal officials have labeled student protests like Khalil’s as antisemitic and threatening to U.S. policy — a characterization widely disputed by civil rights groups.
Next Steps: Deportation Still on the Table
While Khalil’s release from detention is a victory for his defense team, the deportation case remains active. The government may continue pursuing removal based on immigration technicalities related to his green card.
For now, Khalil is expected to reunite with his family after more than three months in a rural Louisiana detention center — a move that drew criticism for placing him far from legal support and loved ones.
