New York, NY – A federal judge has mandated the release of Mahmoud Khalil from immigration custody, marking a significant development in the ongoing debate over government actions against activists. More than three months after his arrest—widely viewed as part of a broader crackdown targeting pro-Palestinian demonstrators—Khalil found himself at the center of a contentious legal battle.

During a phone hearing on Friday, U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz characterized the government’s efforts to further detain Khalil as “highly, highly, highly unusual.” Judge Farbiarz previously indicated that Khalil’s detention over his activism at Columbia University could violate constitutional rights, raising serious questions about the motives behind his arrest.

“There is at least something to the underlying claim that there is an effort to use the immigration charge here to punish Mr. Khalil,” Farbiarz stated, reinforcing the notion that the legal actions against Khalil may be politically motivated. This ruling is seen as a crucial victory not only for Khalil but also for advocates of First Amendment rights, as it challenges the potential misuse of immigration enforcement to suppress dissent.

Khalil is notably the last noncitizen student remaining in federal custody among those arrested for campus activism during the Trump administration. A legal permanent resident, he is married to a U.S. citizen, and the couple recently welcomed their first child while he remained detained.

Khalil’s legal team celebrated the decision, highlighting the broader implications for freedom of expression. “No one should fear being jailed for speaking out in this country,” said Alina Das, one of Khalil’s attorneys. “We are overjoyed that Mr. Khalil will finally be reunited with his family while we continue to fight his case in court.”

Despite the judge’s decision, a lawyer from the Justice Department requested a delay for a week, aiming to appeal Khalil’s release. However, the judge rejected this request, albeit he imposed certain conditions on Khalil’s freedom. Although he did not view Khalil as a flight risk, the judge mandated that Khalil surrender his Algerian passport while the legal proceedings continue.

Khalil had been detained at an immigration facility in Jena, Louisiana, after being arrested in New York on March 8. His detention stemmed from a directive by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who claimed Khalil’s activism posed a threat to U.S. foreign policy objectives related to combating antisemitism. Yet, the government has not presented any evidence to substantiate this claim, and Khalil was never charged criminally.

Khalil is set to be released on bail as the legal challenge to his deportation progresses through federal courts, marking a pivotal moment not only for him but also for the rights of activists across the nation. The case continues to unfold, with implications that could resonate well beyond Khalil’s individual situation.