Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student, was released after over three months in ICE detention, arriving in Newark, New Jersey, on Saturday. Khalil, 30, was arrested in March at his university housing and subsequently detained in Louisiana. His lengthy detention raised national concerns, especially as his wife gave birth to their son while he was incarcerated.
Upon release, Khalil expressed relief and disappointment, stating, “Although justice prevailed… it’s long, very long overdue.” He criticized the Trump administration for targeting him for protesting genocide. In response, Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemned the judicial order that granted Khalil his release, claiming it undermined national security and the judicial system.
Khalil’s detention stemmed from accusations regarding national security risks linked to his pro-Palestinian activism and alleged inaccuracies on his residency application. The government, citing a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act, argued Secretary of State Marco Rubio had the authority to detain him. Investigations into legal filings revealed the government’s reliance on unverified claims and tabloid reports, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the case against him.
Khalil’s case is notable in a series of detentions targeting foreign academics and activists, including recent arrests of students like Rümeysa Öztürk and Mohsen Mahdawi, both of whom were also released under judicial orders. These events underscore a growing trend of immigration enforcement actions against those involved in protest activities, particularly in light of increasing tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict, which has sparked broader discussions about civil rights and academic freedom in the U.S. This situation is ongoing, with further developments expected.
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