Pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, a Syrian-born U.S. permanent resident and Columbia University graduate student, was released on June 20, 2025, after spending 104 days in immigration detention. His arrest and prolonged detention sparked national and international outrage, becoming a focal point for debates over free speech, immigration law, and political targeting in the United States.
Pro-palestinian Activist : Who Is Mahmoud Khalil?
Early Life and Advocacy
Mahmoud Khalil moved to the U.S. in 2023 to pursue graduate studies. He quickly became a prominent voice in student-led protests advocating for Palestinian rights, particularly during the heated demonstrations on Columbia University’s campus in early 2025. His role as a negotiator and spokesperson for student protesters placed him at the forefront of public attention.
Arrest and Detention
Khalil was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 8, 2025, under a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act that allows for deportation if an individual’s presence is deemed harmful to U.S. foreign policy interests. ICE alleged that Khalil had omitted key information in his green card application, though this was widely interpreted as a pretext for punishing his political speech.
Legal Proceedings and Defense
Constitutional Challenge
Khalil’s legal team argued that his detention was unconstitutional and amounted to political retaliation for his First Amendment-protected speech. They filed a habeas corpus petition, asserting that the government had abused immigration law to target a peaceful protester.
Court Rulings
The case was overseen by U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz, who issued multiple rulings in Khalil’s favor. On May 28, 2025, the judge found the law used to detain Khalil was likely unconstitutional. Later, on June 11, he rejected the government’s claim that Khalil posed a danger or flight risk. By June 20, Farbiarz ordered his immediate release, stating the government failed to present sufficient evidence for continued detention.
Reaction Upon Release
Statement by Mahmoud Khalil
Upon his release from LaSalle Detention Center in Louisiana, Khalil declared, “Although justice prevailed, it’s very long overdue. This shouldn’t have taken three months.” He also spoke emotionally about fellow detainees, saying, “I leave some incredible men behind me, over one thousand people behind me… in a place where they shouldn’t have been.”
Family and Supporters
Khalil’s wife, Dr. Noor Abdalla, welcomed his release but criticized the ordeal as unjust. “This ruling does not begin to address the injustices the Trump administration has brought upon our family… he never should have been separated from his newborn son.” Their son, Deen, was born while Khalil was in detention.
Public and Legal Impact
Widespread Legal Condemnation
Civil rights organizations like the ACLU and Amnesty International condemned Khalil’s detention and celebrated his release as a major victory for free speech. Several legal experts argued that using immigration law to target peaceful political speech sets a dangerous precedent.
Related Detentions
Khalil was among several international students and green card holders detained under similar accusations. In the weeks following his detention, others such as Mohsen Mahdawi and Rumeysa Öztürk were also arrested and later released following judicial intervention.
Government Response
White House Position
Officials in the Trump administration criticized the judge’s ruling, claiming it undermined national security. The Department of Homeland Security indicated they would appeal the decision, arguing that the judiciary lacked authority over national immigration enforcement.
Ongoing Deportation Threat
Though Khalil is free, his legal battle continues. He still faces deportation proceedings based on the alleged omissions in his immigration application. His legal team is preparing for a possible lengthy appeals process.
Rejoining Family and Advocacy Work
Return to New York
After his release, Khalil traveled to New York to reunite with his family. While he has regained his green card, he must adhere to travel restrictions and report regularly to immigration authorities. He plans to resume advocacy, focusing on immigrant rights and the Palestinian cause.
Plans for Future Activism
Supporters have announced a campaign to raise awareness about political detentions, and Khalil is expected to speak at upcoming national forums and student conferences. His legal team is also pushing for legislative reform to prevent similar detentions in the future.
Legal and Political Implications
Immigration Law in Question
The Khalil case has intensified scrutiny of immigration provisions that date back to the Cold War era. Many experts have argued these laws are outdated and vulnerable to political abuse. Khalil’s detention and eventual release could lead to new court rulings that strike down similar policies.
First Amendment Rights
This case sets an important precedent regarding First Amendment protections for non-citizens. Courts reaffirmed that freedom of speech applies to all individuals on U.S. soil, not just citizens.
Media Coverage and Global Attention
Khalil’s case received international media attention, with coverage in The Guardian, Reuters, and Al Jazeera. Protests and social media campaigns demanding his release trended globally, with hashtags like #FreeMahmoud and #JusticeForKhalil appearing across platforms. University professors, students, and human rights groups expressed solidarity.
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Conclusion
Mahmoud Khalil’s release after more than three months in detention represents a major moment in the fight for immigrant rights and free speech in the United States. His case exposed the potential misuse of immigration law as a tool of political retaliation and reminded the public that the right to dissent must be protected—regardless of citizenship status. While the legal battle continues, Khalil’s freedom is a testament to the strength of the U.S. Constitution and the importance of judicial oversight. It is also a call to action to ensure such detentions are never repeated.
FAQs
Who is Mahmoud Khalil?
Mahmoud Khalil is a Syrian-born legal U.S. permanent resident and former Columbia University student who became a prominent pro-Palestinian activist. He was detained by ICE for over three months in 2025 before being released by court order.
Why was Mahmoud Khalil detained?
He was detained under a rarely used immigration law that permits deportation based on perceived harm to U.S. foreign policy. ICE claimed he failed to disclose details in his immigration application, though many saw it as politically motivated.
What did the court decide?
The court found that the law used to justify his detention was likely unconstitutional and that there was no valid basis for continuing to hold him. Judge Michael Farbiarz ruled in Khalil’s favor on multiple legal grounds.
Is Mahmoud Khalil still facing deportation?
Yes. Although he has been released from detention, deportation proceedings based on alleged misrepresentations in his green card application are still ongoing.
Why is this case important?
It highlights the risks of political targeting under immigration law and reaffirms that non-citizens in the U.S. have First Amendment rights. It may lead to legal reforms and new protections for foreign-born activists and students.
