Mahmoud Khalil Ordered Released from ICE Custody by Judge

Judge Orders Release of Columbia Activist Mahmoud Khalil

• ⚖️ A US district judge in New Jersey has ordered the release of Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil from federal immigration custody.
• 🗓️ Khalil, a permanent US resident, had been detained by ICE for three months after his arrest on March 8th.
• 🗣️ His lawyers argued that his detention was in retaliation for his free speech and activism, particularly his leadership in pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus.

Legal Arguments and Government Response

• 🚫 The judge stated it would be unusual to detain a resident who is not a flight risk, not dangerous, and not accused of violence.
• 🏛️ The judge also called claims that Khalil is a threat to US foreign policy due to his speech presumptively unconstitutional.
• 📄 The Department of Homeland Security and the White House have stated their intention to appeal the judge's order and seek Khalil's removal from the country.

Conditions of Release

• 🛂 As part of the release conditions, Khalil must turn over his passport.
• 🟢 The government has also been ordered to return Khalil's green card.
• ✈️ Lawyers are working to facilitate his release and hope he can return to New York City soon.

Supporters' Reaction

• 📣 Supporters in New York City are working to mobilize for his return, though no concrete details have been released.