Mahmoud Khalil Freed on Bail After 104 Days Justice Will Prevail
Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil has been released after 104 days in detention . A federal judge deemed his imprisonment unlawful . Deportation proceedings remain active amid rising debate over free speech rights .
JENA Louisiana June 20 2025 — Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil has been released on bail after 104 days in federal immigration detention . His arrest in early March stemmed from his participation in pro-Palestinian protests on campus amid ongoing conflict in Gaza .
Key Developments in the Case
Judge’s Ruling
US District Judge Michael Farbiarz ordered Khalil’s release stating there was no legal basis to keep him detained . The judge emphasized Khalil posed neither a flight risk nor a danger to the public calling his detention highly unusual for a legal US resident .
Grounds for Detention
Khalil was originally held under a rare Trump-era policy targeting foreign students involved in political protests which some officials labeled antisemitic . He was never accused of violence . A secondary claim by immigration authorities alleged that Khalil made false statements on his green card application—an argument Judge Farbiarz deemed weak and rarely used for incarceration .
Appeals and Legal Process Continues
Though he is now free the Department of Homeland Security is appealing the bond decision . Meanwhile an immigration judge in Louisiana is proceeding with deportation efforts based on the application allegations .
Khalil Speaks Out
Upon his release Khalil reunited with his wife and newborn son. Justice prevailed but it’s very long overdue he said . He criticized his detention as politically driven and vowed to advocate for student protesters and lobby Congress .
Implications for Free Speech
Legal analysts view the case as a test of constitutional rights . The judge’s rejection of the governments justification based on foreign policy suggests a reaffirmation of First Amendment protections for peaceful protest .
Next Steps
Khalil remains on bond with restricted travel limited to select US states for court and advocacy purposes . Deportation proceedings are ongoing .