Judge Orders Release of Columbia Protester Mahmoud Khalil: Government Has Until Friday to Appeal

A federal judge recently ruled that the government must release Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student facing deportation over his participation in pro-Palestinian protests. However, Khalil, who is a legal U.S. resident, will stay in custody for now to give the government time to appeal the decision.

Khalil’s lawyer, Ramzi Kassem, called the ruling a strong affirmation of Khalil’s rights. “We aren’t safe until Mahmoud is home with his family,” he said. Dr. Noor Abdalla, Khalil’s wife, expressed hope that he could return to New York in time for Father’s Day with their newborn son.

The Department of Homeland Security plans to challenge the ruling. An agency spokesperson argued that the judge’s decision undermines the President’s constitutional authority.

Khalil was detained on March 8 during a crackdown on students protesting the Gaza conflict. His lawyers argue that the government’s actions aim to stifle free speech. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited a rarely invoked statute to justify Khalil’s potential deportation, claiming he poses serious foreign policy risks. The judge previously ruled that this rationale is likely unconstitutional.

In this new ruling, the judge noted that Khalil’s prolonged detention harms his career and his family life. Khalil’s inability to find work has already resulted in Oxfam International revoking a job offer due to the cloud over his legal status. The judge highlighted that Khalil’s detention has also deterred him from participating in protected protests—a serious concern for free speech advocates.

Interestingly, Khalil is not alone; other legal residents who have faced similar treatment for their activism have been released in recent months. This includes fellow students from Columbia and other universities, who were also affected by the administration’s stance on activism.

Khalil himself has denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing that he was never involved in any illegal activities during the protests. The accusations against him, including claims he served as a UN officer, were clarified by Khalil as misunderstandings stemming from his approved internship as part of his studies.

Experts in immigration law emphasize the chilling effect such cases can have on free expression, especially among students. With the ongoing societal debates surrounding protests and free speech, Khalil’s case could set significant legal precedents regarding activists’ rights in the U.S.

As the situation unfolds, both public opinion and legal interpretations will likely shape the narrative around free speech and immigration rights. Khalil’s case has garnered attention on social media, reflecting growing concern about the balance between national security and civil liberties. For more on similar legal cases and free speech implications, you might check sources like ACLU or legal analysis platforms.

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