New Delhi: A federal judge in New Jersey has granted bail to Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate of Columbia University and vocal Palestinian rights activist, ending his more than three month immigration detention.
Khalil, a 30-year old US lawful permanent resident, was arrested on March 8 by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New York amid allegations that his presence posed “potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences,” a justification that was invoked by the Secretary of State Marco Rubio under a seldom used provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Khalil as a rising voice
Since his arrest, Khalil emerged as a pioneering protest figure. A leading voice at Columbia University’s pro-Palestinian demonstrations, the man drew national attention. He led various protests in New York city and Washington DC. Simultaneously, Columbia University awarded him his degree in absentia, his wife accepted the diploma on his behalf.
Deprivation of bail, infringement of freedom of speech
At a nearly two hour hearing on Friday, US District Judge Michael Farbiarz said that Khalil was neither a flight risk nor a threat to public safety, clearing the way for his release while his case proceeds. Legal advocates said that depriving him of bail infringed his freedom of speech, especially given his engagement in a peaceful protest.
They also haver further highlighted the unusually aggressive nature of the government’s stance, noting it sounded more punitive than procedural.
In response, the Justice Department was reportedly unable to sustain the foreign-policy rationale and shifted its position, alleging that Khalil provided insufficient information on his 2024-green card applications.
Under the terms of bail, Khalil will be released without electronic monitoring and will receive a certified copy of his passport and green card, though his physical passport remains in government custody. He will be barred from international travel but may undertake domestic trips for family and immigration related matters.
Supporters cheered the ruling. Alina Das, co‑director of NYU’s Immigrant Rights Clinic, declared, “No one should fear being jailed for speaking out in this country.” Khalil’s wife, Noor Abdalla, expressed relief, saying the family can ““finally breathe a sigh of relief” as he returns home.
