Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and prominent pro-Palestinian activist, has been released from US immigration detention after spending over three months behind bars. Khalil's arrest in March sparked widespread protests and drew attention to the Trump administration's crackdown on student activists. A federal judge in New Jersey ordered his release, citing that Khalil posed no flight risk or threat to the community.

Background and Legal Context

Khalil's detention was part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration to target international students involved in pro-Palestinian activism. The government argued that Khalil's activities were detrimental to US foreign policy interests, invoking a rarely used section of the Immigration and Nationality Act. However, Judge Michael Farbiarz ruled that the justification for Khalil's detention was likely unconstitutional, leading to his release on bail.

Personal Impact and Reactions

Upon his release from the ICE facility in Jena, Louisiana, Khalil expressed relief but criticized the prolonged detention. "Although justice prevailed, it’s very long overdue," he stated, emphasizing the harsh conditions faced by over a thousand detainees still held in the facility. Khalil, who became a father during his detention, looked forward to reuniting with his wife and newborn son without the constraints of supervised visits.

Ongoing Legal Battle

Despite the court's decision, the Trump administration remains determined to deport Khalil, with White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson asserting that the administration will appeal the ruling. Khalil's case has become emblematic of the administration's aggressive stance against pro-Palestinian activism, with several other students previously detained and released under similar circumstances.