Mahmoud Khalil Released After ICE Detention for Pro-Palestinian Speech

Release from ICE Detention

• 📌 Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and activist, has been released after 104 days in an ICE detention facility in Louisiana.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 He arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport, greeted by family and supporters, vowing to continue his advocacy.

Background and Arrest

• 🏛️ Khalil, a permanent US resident and green card holder, was arrested at his home on Columbia University's campus in March.
• 🗣️ The Trump administration accused him of promoting anti-semitism for his role in a pro-Palestinian protest last summer.

Legal Battles and Constitutional Arguments

• ⚖️ A US district judge ruled that the administration appeared to be punishing Khalil for his pro-Palestinian speech, deeming it unconstitutional.
• 📄 Despite his release, a federal immigration judge ordered him to be removed from the country, and the administration is appealing this decision.
• 🧑‍⚖️ Khalil's legal team argues that a federal judge, not an immigration judge, has the authority to review constitutional arguments.

Continued Advocacy

• ✊ Khalil stated that even under threat of detention or death, he would continue to speak up for Palestine.
• 🌍 He expressed his desire to return to advocating for Palestinian rights, continuing the work he was doing before his arrest.
• ✈️ His travel is restricted to a handful of states, and he had to surrender his passport as a condition of his release.