Judge Orders Release of Pro-Palestinian Activist Khalil

A U.S. federal judge, Michael Farbiarz, has ordered the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a legal U.S. resident and former Columbia University student, who was detained in March under a rarely used immigration law after participating in pro-Palestinian campus protests. Khalil must post a $1 bond before being released, and the government has until Friday to appeal the ruling. Judge Farbiarz found Khalil's continued detention caused irreparable harm to his family, career, and free speech rights, deeming the government's actions likely unconstitutional. Khalil, who has not been charged with any crime, was targeted under the Trump administration's policy, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeling him a threat to U.S. foreign policy. The case has drawn broad support from free speech, immigrant rights advocates, and even some critics of Khalil's views who defend his civil liberties. The ruling is viewed as a significant affirmation of free speech rights amid concerns over the suppression of dissent on U.S. campuses.