Federal Judge Orders Release of Columbia Activist Mahmoud Khalil from ICE Custody

A judge in New Jersey mandated the immediate release of Mahmoud Khalil, an activist affiliated with Columbia University, from detention under Immigration and Customs Enforcement as his case is explored further.

U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz, during a court session, responded to pleas from Khalil's legal team to either release him from detention or move him to New Jersey. Farbiarz ruled that Khalil poses no threat to public safety, is unlikely to flee, and highlighted the unusual nature of his detention.

The judge dismissed a government request to delay his order, meaning the directive took effect without delay. The Justice Department is expected to challenge this decision, according to their attorney.

Khalil, who holds a green card, was detained by immigration officials in March and is being held in Louisiana. Notably, when Khalil was detained, his wife, Noor Abdalla, was eight months pregnant. He was not granted temporary release to be present at the birth of their child.

Abdalla expressed her distress in a March interview, recounting the fear she experienced when her husband was unexpectedly taken away during the night.

Judge Farbiarz determined that detention based solely on Secretary of State Marco Rubio's declaration is insufficient. Homeland Security, however, maintains Khalil's detention citing omissions in his green card application.

Farbiarz remarked on the improbability of a lawful permanent resident being held on such charges and suggested the immigration charge is potentially being used as a punitive measure due to Khalil's anti-Israel sentiments. As a student leader at Columbia, Khalil was instrumental in organizing protests against Israel's actions in Gaza in 2024.

The judge noted a lack of evidence indicating Khalil's involvement in violent acts or inciting violence. Although government lawyers were invited to present further evidence, they were unable to do so.

Khalil's lawyers highlighted contradictions in the handling of his case, pointing out that a Louisiana immigration judge denied him a bond hearing, refused his asylum application, and ruled for his deportation based on Rubio's declaration, contrary to Judge Farbiarz's recent decision.

Judge Farbiarz expressed confidence in the comprehensive record developed in the case and stated that he will not impose electronic monitoring for Khalil.