Judge orders release of anti-Israel activist Khalil amid immigration case

Anti-Israel activist Mahmoud Khalil has been granted bail by a federal judge, allowing him to be released from detention while his immigration and civil cases make their way through the courts. Judge Michael Farbiarz, a Biden appointee, deemed Khalil not a flight risk or a danger to the community, describing his detention as “highly unusual” due to the extraordinary circumstances of the case.

Khalil, a lawful permanent resident, was arrested outside his apartment at Columbia University in March and subsequently filed a habeas corpus lawsuit challenging his detention. His attorneys argued that his imprisonment in an immigration detention center in Louisiana was unconstitutional retaliation and urged for his release on bail or transfer to a facility in New Jersey to be closer to his family and legal team.

An immigration judge found Khalil removable based on a memo from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, citing Khalil’s activism on campus as conflicting with U.S. foreign policy interests. However, Farbiarz later prohibited the secretary from using that determination. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) then added a second reason for Khalil’s detention, alleging that he omitted crucial information from his green card application regarding his affiliations with groups like the Columbia University Apartheid Divest.

Khalil’s case has sparked controversy, with anti-Israel protesters and immigration rights advocates claiming that the Trump administration is targeting him for his opposition to the Israeli government and stifling free speech. On the other hand, the government argues that Khalil violated immigration laws by expressing support for the terrorist group Hamas through his activism.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) argued to the judge that Khalil should remain detained as he faces charges of fraudulently misrepresenting facts on his adjustment of status application, a claim that is still pending before an immigration judge. The case continues to evolve, with updates expected as it progresses through the legal system.

This article was written by Ashley Oliver, a reporter for Fox News Digital and FOX Business, specializing in the Justice Department and legal affairs. For story tips or inquiries, contact Ashley at ashley.oliver@fox.com. Stay tuned for further developments on this breaking story.