Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist known for participating in protests against Israel, has been released from federal immigration detention after 104 days. Khalil, who was detained under President Donald Trump's crackdown on campus protests, left a federal facility in Louisiana and is expected to reunite with his U.S. citizen wife and infant son in New York.

Background

Khalil was arrested on March 8, marking the first arrest under Trump's initiative targeting students involved in protests against Israel's war in Gaza. Despite being a legal U.S. resident, Khalil was taken to an immigration detention center in Jena, Louisiana, far from his attorneys and family.

The 30-year-old former Columbia University graduate student served as a negotiator and spokesperson for student activists protesting the war on campus. While Khalil was not involved in the occupation of an administration building during the protests, his visible presence at demonstrations made him a target of criticism.

Legal Battle

Although Khalil did not break any laws during the protests, the government sought to deport him for expressing views deemed antisemitic and "pro-Hamas." His lawyers argued that his detention violated his First Amendment rights.

Immigration Judge Jamee E. Comans ruled in April that Khalil could be deported based on the government's claims. However, other federal judges had previously ordered against his deportation while his case was ongoing.

Release

Khalil was released after U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz deemed his continued detention unnecessary. Farbiarz stated that Khalil was not a flight risk or a danger to the community, leading to his release.

Despite his release, the government has filed an appeal, seeking to challenge the decision. Khalil's legal fight continues as he awaits further proceedings regarding his immigration status.

Conclusion

After spending three months in detention, Khalil expressed relief at his release and emphasized the importance of free speech and protest. His case is part of a broader trend where scholars and activists targeted for their views have been released from custody.