Victory for Free Speech: Judge Orders Release of Activist Mahmoud Khalil

In a landmark decision on Friday, a U.S. judge ordered the release of Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil from immigration custody, underscoring a significant win for rights groups challenging the Trump administration's targeting of pro-Palestinian activists. Khalil, an outspoken critic in protests against Israel's Gaza policies, was taken into custody in March by immigration authorities at his Manhattan university residence.

President Donald Trump has condemned such protests as antisemitic and pledged to deport participating foreign students. Khalil, however, has publicly denounced antisemitism and racism, arguing his detention violates First Amendment rights. U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz determined Khalil's ongoing detention improperly infringed on his constitutional free speech rights.

The Trump administration, however, asserts Khalil's detention relates to a previous charge of misinformation on his residency application, urging the matter be directed to the immigration court. Khalil's defense insists these are rarely grounds for detention, and they seek his immediate release or transfer closer to family in New Jersey.

(With inputs from agencies.)