• Judge Orders Release: Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate and pro-Palestinian activist, was granted bail. This comes after over three months in ICE detention.
• Controversial Detention: His arrest sparked protests, with critics accusing the government of targeting him for his political activism.
• Legal Battle Continues: While Khalil is reunited with his family, the White House plans to appeal. They cite alleged fraud and national security concerns.

After spending more than three months in federal detention, Columbia University graduate and activist Mahmoud Khalil will finally be going home. A judge ruled Friday that Khalil, who has become a lightning rod in a nationwide debate. This involves student protests, immigration law, and freedom of speech. He can be released on bail while his immigration case proceeds.

Khalil’s arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 8 in New York drew national attention. His detention coincided with his active role in pro-Palestinian protests on campus. This made him a symbol of what critics call a politically motivated crackdown on dissent under the Trump administration.

But on Friday, in a packed New Jersey courtroom, U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz made it clear he wasn’t buying the government’s justification for holding him. “There’s simply no basis for believing he poses any threat or intends to flee,” Judge Farbiarz said. He pushed back firmly against the administration’s shifting rationale for Khalil’s prolonged detention.

From Graduation Behind Bars to a Courtroom Victory

While Mahmoud Khalil sat in a Louisiana detention center, life didn’t pause for his loved ones. His wife, Dr. Noor Abdalla, gave birth to their first child in his absence. When Columbia University held its graduation ceremony, Khalil wasn’t there to walk across the stage—but his wife took his place. She accepted his diploma on his behalf.

That emotional moment, shared widely on social media, struck a chord with supporters. It helped galvanize protests demanding his release. Rallies erupted in New York and Washington, D.C., as activists, students, and civil rights organizations decried what they saw as an attack on free expression and immigrant rights.

“No one should be jailed simply for speaking out,” said Alina Das, co-director of NYU’s Immigrant Rights Clinic, who appeared in court to support Khalil. “This ruling brings hope not just to Mahmoud and his family, but to every person. It assures those who believe in the right to protest without fear.”

Legal Battle Filled With Shifting Accusations

The government’s case against Khalil has been anything but straightforward. Initially, there was no criminal charge filed. Instead, ICE claimed his presence in the U.S. could cause “serious adverse foreign policy consequences.” This claim was pushed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio using a little-known section of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

That justification didn’t hold up in court. Last week, Judge Farbiarz ruled the argument was likely unconstitutional. This dealt a serious blow to the Trump administration’s efforts to keep Khalil in custody under national security grounds.

Then the story shifted. Government attorneys pivoted to a new accusation, claiming Khalil failed to disclose certain information when applying for permanent residency in 2024. But Judge Farbiarz wasn’t persuaded that this lesser charge justified continued detention. He noted Khalil’s clean record and deep ties to his community.

Calling the case “highly unusual,” the judge suggested that immigration law was being used. It appeared to retaliate against Khalil’s vocal criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

“It’s overwhelmingly unlikely that someone with Khalil’s legal status would be detained under the current circumstances,” Farbiarz said during the nearly two-hour hearing.

Reunited With Family—But the Fight Isn’t Over

The ruling allows Khalil to be released without electronic monitoring, a rare move in cases like this. He’ll receive certified copies of his green card and passport, allowing him to travel within the U.S. for family matters and immigration hearings. However, he’s barred from leaving the country. The government will keep his actual passport until further notice.

“This is a huge relief,” Dr. Abdalla said in a statement shared by the ACLU. “After more than three months, we can finally breathe again knowing that Mahmoud will soon be home. Our baby boy, Deen, deserves to grow up with his father by his side.”

But the legal fight is far from over. The White House is already pushing back. Spokeswoman Abigail Jackson released a fiery statement accusing Khalil of “fraud and misrepresentation.” She claimed his actions were “detrimental to U.S. foreign policy interests.” Jackson also questioned the judge’s authority to issue the release order.

“We expect to be vindicated on appeal,” Jackson said, vowing to press forward with efforts to deport Khalil.

Public Opinion Divided, but Growing Support for Khalil

Reactions to the case have been sharply divided. Supporters hail Khalil as a peaceful activist targeted for his beliefs. Meanwhile, critics argue that the government must be allowed to take action if foreign policy is threatened—even if the evidence seems murky.

But among students, academics, and immigrant rights groups, the tide appears to be turning in Khalil’s favor. His story has resonated deeply, especially among young Americans. They see in him a reflection of their own fears—that peaceful protest could come at a devastating personal cost.

“This case is chilling,” said Columbia student Sarah Mendes, who participated in campus protests calling for Khalil’s release. “It sends a message that if you speak out against injustice, the government might try to silence you.”

Social media has been flooded with the hashtag #FreeMahmoud. A petition calling for his release has gathered tens of thousands of signatures. Civil rights organizations, including the ACLU and Human Rights Watch, have demanded greater transparency from ICE. They called for an end to what they describe as politically motivated detentions.

A Symbol of a Larger Struggle

Mahmoud Khalil’s case is now bigger than just one man. It has become part of a broader national conversation. This is about the rights of immigrants, the limits of government power, and the fine line between national security and political suppression.

For now, Khalil’s family is preparing to welcome him home. But his fight for justice—and for the right to speak freely without fear of retribution—is far from over.

His release may mark a legal turning point, but it’s also a personal one. After months in detention, missed milestones, and courtroom battles, Khalil will soon hold his son for the first time.

And as that deeply human moment unfolds, it’s clear that this story—like so many others in today’s America—is about more than law and politics. It’s about what kind of country we want to be.