A US federal judge has mandated the immediate release of activist Mahmoud Khalil, pending the outcome of his immigration case (JURIST).
Judge Michael Fabiarz from the US District Court for the District of New Jersey stated that Khalil, who has been in detention for over three months, may return to his residence under certain geographical restrictions. These include New Jersey, New York, Michigan, Washington, DC, and Louisiana, where he must attend all immigration hearings. Khalil was apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in March during efforts to curb student protests in New York City (CBS News).
The judge asserted that Khalil is not a flight risk and poses no danger to the community, a point he emphasized as “Period, full stop.” This stance follows the judge’s prior observation that Khalil would likely succeed in disputing his detention linked to pro-Palestinian activism at Columbia University (AP News).
In addition to surrendering his Algerian passport, Khalil’s green card will be returned under the judge’s directive. Alina Das and Noor Zafar, representing Khalil, have lauded the decision, emphasizing the protection of speech under the First Amendment and the chilling effects of government actions that punish dissent (ACLU).
While Khalil’s legal team celebrates this ruling, the White House is preparing to contest it. Abigail Jackson, a spokesperson, announced plans to appeal, questioning the jurisdictional reach of the New Jersey judge in ordering Khalil’s release from a Louisiana detention facility (CBS News).