Palestinian Activist Mahmoud Khalil Freed on Bail Amid Ongoing Deportation Battle

Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate, has been released on bail after more than three months in detention. A federal judge ruled on Friday that Khalil, who was a leading voice in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia last year, is neither a flight risk nor a threat to his community, allowing his release as immigration proceedings continue.

Khalil’s arrest on March 8 had ignited protests in New York and Washington D.C. Speaking after his release, he criticized the Trump administration for targeting him over his activism against Israel’s military actions in Gaza, stating, “There’s no right person that should be detained for actually protesting a genocide.” During his 104 days in detention, his son was born, and Khalil expressed eagerness to reunite with his wife and child.

The government still seeks Khalil’s deportation, asserting his activism is detrimental to U.S. foreign policy interests. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson accused Khalil of “fraud and misrepresentation” and “conduct detrimental to American foreign policy interests,” adding that the administration intends to appeal the judge’s decision to release him. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had initially invoked a rarely used portion of the Immigration and Nationality Act to detain Khalil, a justification a federal judge later deemed likely unconstitutional. Authorities then cited a different charge, alleging Khalil failed to disclose information during his 2024 application for lawful permanent residency.

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