Columbia Activist Mahmoud Khalil Released from Detention After Three Months.
By Kayla Epstein, BBC News, New York.
Columbia University graduate and activist Mahmoud Khalil has been released on bail after spending over three months in detention. His arrest had sparked widespread protests, with supporters accusing the Trump administration of targeting him for his involvement in pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
A federal judge ruled on Friday that Mr. Khalil, a Palestinian and legal U.S. resident, does not pose a flight risk or threat to his community and could be released while his immigration case proceeds.
Khalil, a vocal supporter of pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, was arrested on March 8, leading to demonstrations in New York and Washington, D.C. The U.S. government is still seeking his deportation, claiming his activism threatens American foreign policy interests.
Speaking to reporters before returning to New York from Louisiana, where he was held, Khalil expressed joy at reuniting with his wife and newborn son, Deen, who was born during his 104 days in detention.
"The only time I spent with my son was during a one-hour window set by the government," Khalil said. "Now, I can finally hug him and my wife, Noor, without watching the clock."
He criticised the Trump administration for allegedly detaining him over his protests against Israel's military actions in Gaza. "No one should be jailed for protesting against genocide," he stated. While Khalil did not directly mention Israel, the country has strongly denied accusations of genocide in Gaza.
The White House, however, maintains that Khalil's release was improper. Spokeswoman Abigail Jackson accused him of "fraud and misrepresentation" and of engaging in conduct harmful to U.S. foreign policy. She added that Judge Michael Farbiarz lacked the authority to order his release and said the administration expects to overturn the decision on appeal.
Legal Battle and Controversy
Khalil, a permanent U.S. resident, graduated from Columbia while still in detention. His wife accepted his diploma on his behalf.
Initially, Secretary of State Marco Rubio invoked a rarely used section of the Immigration and Nationality Act to argue that Khalil’s presence posed "serious adverse foreign policy consequences." But Judge Farbiarz later ruled that justification likely unconstitutional.
The Trump administration then cited a new charge, alleging Khalil failed to disclose information during his 2024 green card application. His lawyers argue that these charges are politically motivated and violate his free speech rights.
During Friday's hearing in New Jersey, Judge Farbiarz expressed scepticism about the government's case, calling the circumstances of Khalil’s arrest and detention "highly unusual." He added that it appeared immigration charges were being used to punish Khalil for his activism.
Conditions of Release
Under the terms of his release, Khalil is prohibited from international travel but can travel within New York, Michigan, New Jersey, Louisiana, and Washington for court appearances, family visits, and lobbying efforts. His physical passport remains with the government.
Alina Das, co-director of the Immigrant Rights Clinic at NYU School of Law, welcomed the ruling, saying, "No one should fear being jailed for speaking out in this country."
Khalil’s wife, Dr. Noor Abdalla, expressed relief. "After more than three months, Mahmoud is finally on his way home to me and Deen, who never should have been separated from his father," she said in a statement.
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