Federal Judge Orders Release of Detained Columbia Activist

A federal judge in New Jersey has ordered the release on bail of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University pro-Palestinian activist who has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement since March. Judge Michael Farbiarz ruled that Khalil’s detention was an unconstitutional retaliation against his free speech, particularly his protests against Israel’s war in Gaza, and criticized the Trump administration's use of immigration law to punish him. Khalil, who had his green card revoked and was arrested outside his home, has not been charged with any crimes but was targeted due to his activism and alleged threats to U.S. foreign policy. The judge also ruled that bail conditions should not include electronic monitoring, and Khalil must surrender his passport. The Trump administration plans to appeal the order, asserting Khalil’s removal from the U.S. is warranted. Khalil’s case has sparked widespread protests and debate over free speech and the treatment of activists on college campuses.