A federal judge has issued a ruling that could lead to the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident who has been detained by the Trump administration since March. The ruling, made on Wednesday by Judge Michael E. Farbiarz, prohibits the continuation of Khalil's detention under a seldom-used law invoked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The judge indicated that Khalil could potentially be released as early as Friday, but he has temporarily paused the order, ensuring that it will not take effect until 9:30 a.m. on Friday, allowing the administration time to appeal the decision.
Mahmoud Khalil's detention has raised questions regarding the constitutionality of the law cited by Rubio, who argued that Khalil's presence in the United States poses a threat to the country's foreign policy interests, particularly in relation to preventing antisemitism. Judge Farbiarz previously indicated that the law itself is likely unconstitutional, and on Wednesday, he concluded that Khalil would suffer irreparable harm if he is not released. The judge noted that Khalil’s career and reputation are suffering due to his detention, stating, “his speech is being chilled — and this adds up to irreparable harm.”
Despite the judge's ruling, there remain serious allegations against Khalil. The Trump administration has accused him of failing to disclose his membership in several organizations when applying for permanent residency. Khalil's legal team has strongly contested these allegations, and Judge Farbiarz asserted that it is “overwhelmingly likely” that Khalil would not be detained solely on these grounds. However, if the government argues that these allegations are the basis for his detention, it remains uncertain whether Khalil would be released on Friday.
This ruling is a significant victory for Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate of Columbia University and a prominent figure in pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus last year. Khalil, whose wife and infant son are American citizens, has spent three months in detention in Louisiana without being formally charged with any crime. His case is seen as part of a broader pattern of targeting by the Trump administration, particularly against students and legal permanent residents involved in political activism.
The White House has accused Khalil of “siding with” the terrorist group Hamas, yet the administration has not provided substantial evidence to support this claim. As the situation continues to evolve, the implications of this case could have wider repercussions for the treatment of political dissenters in the United States. Khalil’s lawyers argue that his detention is a direct result of his pro-Palestinian speech, highlighting the ongoing tension between free speech and national security concerns.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
