DaysofPal- Palestinian activist and Columbia University researcher Mahmoud Khalil was released following a federal judge’s order to end his 104-day detention.
Khalil had been a prominent figure in pro-Palestinian protests opposing the Israeli war on Gaza. He was arrested on March 8 in his university housing in Manhattan amid a controversial crackdown on student-led demonstrations.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump had taken a harsh stance on the protests, calling them “antisemitic” and vowing to deport foreign students who took part. Khalil became the first target of this policy, despite holding lawful permanent residency in the U.S.
In a court hearing, District Judge Michael Farbiarz ordered Khalil’s release, stating the government had failed to prove he posed any danger to the community or flight risk. The judge also warned that “there is a suspicion that immigration charges are being used as a tool to punish the petitioner (Khalil), which would be unconstitutional,” pointing to the political motives behind his detention.
The White House quickly criticized the ruling. In an official statement, a spokesperson said, “There is no legal basis for the New Jersey judge’s order, who lacks jurisdiction to release Khalil.”
The administration added, “We are confident our position will prevail on appeal and look forward to his removal from the United States.”
Khalil has previously stated that his arrest was politically motivated, in clear violation of his First Amendment rights.
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