Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student and outspoken pro-Palestinian activist, walked free on Friday after spending 104 days in the La Salle Detention Facility. The Syrian-born permanent US resident had been detained since March 8 following immigration charges levelled by the Trump administration, which alleged ties to Hamas.Upon his release, Khalil expressed relief and defiance, pledging to continue advocating for Palestinian rights and criticising both the US government and his former university.
‘Incredible men left behind’
Speaking to reporters outside the detention centre, Khalil said, “I leave some incredible men behind me, over 1,000 people behind me, in a place where they shouldn’t have been in the first place.”He hoped the detention facility would one day be converted into a museum, calling it a symbol of “America’s racist policies against immigrants.”
Family reunion and first plans
Khalil was denied the chance to witness the birth of his son in April, but now looks forward to spending time with his wife and child. “Just hug my wife and son,” he said when asked what he planned to do first upon returning to New York.“The only time I spent with my son was a specified one-hour limit that the government had imposed on us… so that means that now I can actually hug him and Noor, my wife, without looking at the clock,” Khalil added.
Judge questions motives behind detention
Federal Judge Michael Farbiarz, appointed by former US President Joe Biden, ordered Khalil’s release after raising concerns that the Trump administration may have detained him in retaliation for his campus protests.“There was at least something to the argument that there had been an effort to use the immigration charge here to punish Mr. Khalil,” said Farbiarz. “And, of course, that would be unconstitutional.”He added, “He is not a danger to the community, period, full stop.”
Administration backlash
The Department of Homeland Security strongly criticised the judge’s decision. “An immigration judge, not a district judge, has the authority to decide if Mr. Khalil should be released or detained,” said DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin.“On the same day an immigration judge denied Khalil bond and ordered him removed, one rogue district judge ordered him released,” she added. “This is yet another example of how out-of-control members of the judicial branch are undermining national security.”McLaughlin argued the Trump administration acted within legal bounds, stating, “It is a privilege to be granted a visa or green card… We expect a higher court to do the same.”
‘No one is illegal — no human is illegal’
Khalil also criticised Columbia University for investing in what he called “the genocide of the Palestinian people,” and condemned the conditions at the Jena facility.“The moment you enter this facility, your rights leave you behind,” he said. “Just a different reality about this country that supposedly champions human rights and liberty.”He rejected claims he was a threat, saying, “No one is illegal — no human is illegal. Justice will prevail no matter what this administration may try.”
Case not over
Although Khalil has been released on bail, the Trump administration is appealing the decision and seeking to deport him based on additional allegations, including inaccuracies in his residency application and undisclosed past employment.Despite this, the activist remains optimistic. His wife, Dr Noor Abdalla, said, “This ruling does not begin to address the injustices the Trump administration has brought upon our family… But today we are celebrating Mahmoud coming back to New York.”
