Mahmoud Khalil Cannot Be Detained or Deported, Judge Rules Because Of This Shocking Reason

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian-American and former Columbia University graduate who became a central figure in campus protests over Gaza.

The ruling, issued by Judge Michael Farbiarz in New Jersey, grants a preliminary injunction against federal authorities, including the Department of Homeland Security, and questions the legality of Khalil’s detention.

The decision allows Khalil to remain in the U.S. and could lead to his release from ICE custody in Louisiana as early as Friday, pending a \$1 bond—unless the Trump administration appeals the ruling.

Khalil’s case drew national attention after he was arrested in March in his apartment building’s lobby and transported to a detention center in Jena, Louisiana. His detention came amid a broader Trump administration crackdown on international students involved in pro-Palestinian protests an effort that has been sharply criticized by civil liberties advocates as a politically motivated attack on free speech.

Khalil, who helped mediate between protesters and Columbia University officials, was accused by the administration of engaging in actions contrary to U.S. foreign policy.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio had personally determined Khalil’s activism justified detention and possible deportation, invoking national interest grounds.

However, the judge found that the government had not demonstrated credible evidence of wrongdoing. He noted Khalil has no criminal record and found that the impact of his detention lost job opportunities, reputational damage, and a chilling effect on his speech amounted to irreparable harm.

The ruling also questioned the administration’s claims about Khalil’s immigration paperwork, calling the errors “minor” and noting that such issues rarely result in the detention of permanent residents. Judge Farbiarz’s comments strongly suggest the primary reason for Khalil’s ongoing detention was political, tied to his public views rather than any legal or security threat.

The decision has been met with relief and hope by Khalil’s family and legal team. His wife, Dr. Noor Abdalla, said this is the outcome they had been waiting for after three painful months. She emphasized that real justice would mean Khalil had never been taken in the first place and called for his immediate release so he can be with her and their newborn son, Deen, in time for Father’s Day.

Khalil’s lawyers echoed that sentiment, saying the court recognized the government’s actions as retaliatory and harmful. Free speech advocates also weighed in, arguing the case sets a critical precedent about the limits of executive power when it comes to suppressing dissent.

If the Trump administration doesn’t appeal, Khalil could be released by Friday morning and reunited with his family. His future in the U.S. may still involve legal hurdles, but for now, the court has sided with his right to stay and speak freely.