Mahmoud Khalil released after 104 days in immigration detention for pro-Palestine activism

In the United States, on June 21, 2025, Mahmoud Khalil, a 30-year-old Palestinian activist and former graduate student at Columbia University, was released from federal immigration detention after being held for 104 days. His arrest took place on March 8, 2025, when federal immigration agents detained him for participating in campus protests against Israel's actions in Gaza. The government alleged he posed a threat to national security due to his activism, which escalated following the Trump administration's crackdown on pro-Palestinian dissent in academic settings. Khalil's case garnered widespread attention from various rights groups and influential political figures, including U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who condemned the motivations behind his detention. After his prolonged stay in a detention center in Louisiana, a federal judge ordered Khalil's release by asserting it was unusual to keep a legal U.S. resident in custody under such circumstances, especially given he had not been accused of any violent acts. Khalil's legal team argued the government's attempt to deport him was directly linked to his First Amendment rights and highlighted that he was never charged with breaking any laws during the protests. Upon his release, Khalil expressed a commitment to continue advocating for Palestinian rights and condemned any detention for political activism. His family has also suffered, with his wife giving birth to their child while he was in custody. Khalil's situation remains precarious as the government has appealed his release, potentially prolonging his fight against deportation. Khalil's legal battle represents a broader trend where the U.S. government has increasingly targeted activists and dissenters, especially those who are critical of Israeli policies. The decision to detain Khalil sparked outrage among supporters who see it as an infringement of free speech. The legal and social implications of his case may influence future actions regarding activists and immigration policies in the U.S.