Court Ruling Protects Mahmoud Khalil: Trump Administration Can’t Deport or Detain Him

A federal judge has ruled that Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University activist, should not be deported or detained further. Khalil was arrested in March by immigration officers due to a crackdown on international students protesting the Israel-Gaza war. Judge Michael Farbiarz placed a temporary hold on this decision until June 13, allowing the government time to appeal. Until then, Khalil remains in custody.

In his ruling, Judge Farbiarz emphasized that there was no strong reason to keep Khalil detained. Khalil, a lawful permanent resident, has been held in a Louisiana detention center since his arrest at his New York home. The case against him gained attention on social media, especially after the birth of his child while he was still in detention.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio had argued that Khalil potentially jeopardized U.S. foreign policy and should be removed. However, the judge questioned this basis for detention, saying it could cause Khalil lasting harm to his career and reputation.

Khalil’s attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) hailed the judge’s decision, calling it a victory for constitutional rights. Senior Counsel Brett Max Kaufman stated, “No one should be imprisoned or deported for their political beliefs.”

Khalil’s wife, Noor Abdalla, is advocating for his immediate release so he can return home to their newborn son. She expressed her determination to fight for his freedom, hoping he can celebrate Father’s Day with them.

This case reflects broader trends in immigration and civil rights, especially under the previous administration, which focused on stricter enforcement measures. According to a report by the Migration Policy Institute, immigration enforcement actions increased sharply in 2017 and 2018, leading to significant public backlash and increased support for advocacy groups. The outcome of Khalil’s case could influence how similar situations are handled moving forward, raising important questions about free speech and the treatment of non-citizens in the U.S.



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