Trump Administration: Khalil Release Ordered
- Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist detained by immigration agents, has been ordered released from federal custody by a federal judge.
- District Court for New Jersey, during a phone hearing Friday, called the government's continued detention of Khalil "highly unusual." He had previously indicated that Khalil's arrest for pro-Palestinian...
- "There is at least something to the underlying claim that there is an effort to use the immigration charge hear to punish mr.Khalil," Farbiarz said.
A federal judge has mandated the release of pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil from immigration custody, citing significant concerns about the potential unconstitutionality surrounding his detention. This crucial decision follows over three months of Khalil’s detention after his arrest,which his legal team alleges was politically motivated. Judge Michael Farbiarz,during a recent hearing,deemed the government’s actions “highly unusual,” further emphasizing the questionable nature of the case. The arrest stemmed from Khalil’s pro-Palestinian activism at Columbia University, amidst claims of an attempt to leverage immigration charges for punitive measures. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly pushed for his deportation, linking Khalil’s activities to U.S. foreign policy concerns. News Directory 3 reports exclusively on this developing story. Khalil will be released on bail as his deportation proceedings continue. Discover what’s next.
Judge Orders Release of Pro-palestinian Activist Mahmoud Khalil
Updated May 17, 2024
Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist detained by immigration agents, has been ordered released from federal custody by a federal judge. The ruling comes more than three months after his arrest, which his lawyers claim was politically motivated.
Judge Michael farbiarz of the U.S. District Court for New Jersey, during a phone hearing Friday, called the government’s continued detention of Khalil “highly unusual.” He had previously indicated that Khalil’s arrest for pro-Palestinian activism at Columbia University was likely unconstitutional.
“There is at least something to the underlying claim that there is an effort to use the immigration charge hear to punish mr.Khalil,” Farbiarz said. “And of course that would be unconstitutional.”
Khalil was arrested at his New York apartment on March 8 and has been held at an immigration detention center in Jena, Louisiana, while fighting deportation. Secretary of State Marco rubio allegedly ordered his deportation, claiming Khalil’s activism threatened U.S.foreign policy goals related to combating antisemitism.
Khalil will be released on bail while his deportation case proceeds in federal court.
What’s next
The legal challenge to Khalil’s deportation will continue in federal court. Further developments are expected as the case unfolds.