United States: Mahmoud Khalil Released

A Nova Democracia has recently reported on the release of pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, who was detained for over three months under the custody of the immigration service, ICE. We previously reported on his case:

His arrest, carried out by ICE agents, occurred in March due to his participation in protests against the genocide perpetrated by Israel in Gaza. His case attracted the attention of human rights groups, which denounced the Trump administration’s repression of international students critical of Israeli policies and the role of Yankee imperialism.

Khalil was the last of several pro-Palestinian students to remain in custody, while others were released or chose to leave the country. He was never charged with a crime, but authorities accused him of posing a threat to national security and promoting anti-Semitism, allegations that his lawyers consider unfounded and politically motivated.

Federal Judge Michael Farbiarz questioned the legal basis for his detention, which relied on a rarely used immigration provision. Ultimately, he ordered Khalil’s release, stating that he was not a danger to the community. As a condition of his release, Khalil surrendered his passport and now has travel restrictions.

Khalil will reunite with his wife and meet his newborn son. His case is still ongoing, but this is seen as a blow to the government’s efforts to suppress pro-Palestinian dissent.