US Judge Upholds Detention of Mahmoud Khalil Amid Immigration Fraud Charges
A U.S. federal court has denied the release request of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate student, who was arrested in March and detained since then. The decision comes after prosecutors shifted their grounds for his detention, now citing immigration fraud.
Shift in Government’s Detention Rationale
Initially, authorities faced criticism for detaining Khalil, a Syrian-born legal permanent resident, citing foreign policy concerns related to his activism. However, a judge from Newark, New Jersey, previously ruled that foreign policy could not justify his detention. Subsequently, the government announced it was holding Khalil on an immigration fraud charge, a turn that influenced the latest ruling.
On Friday, U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz ruled that Khalil’s legal team had not adequately demonstrated why his detention on these immigration-related grounds was unlawful. Khalil has denied the charges.
Legal Pushback and Civil Rights Concerns
Marc Van Der Hout, one of Khalil’s attorneys, condemned the detention as "highly unusual and frankly outrageous," emphasizing that immigration fraud is rarely used as a basis to hold legal residents like Khalil. He asserts that the student is being targeted primarily because of his outspoken opposition to U.S. support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza following Hamas' attack in late 2023.
“There continues to be no constitutional basis for his detention,” Van Der Hout added, highlighting concerns over the suppression of protected political speech.
The Personal Toll: Family and Public Support
Khalil was taken into custody on March 8 in the lobby of his Manhattan university residence. Since then, his detention has taken a heavy toll on his family life. During his incarceration, his wife, Dr. Noor Abdalla, a U.S. citizen, gave birth to their first child.
In a heartfelt response, a number of celebrities, including actors Mahershala Ali, Mark Ruffalo, and comedian Mo Amer, publicly called for Khalil’s release just before Father’s Day. They shared a video reading a letter Khalil had written to his newborn son, emphasizing the human impact behind the legal battle.
Context Within Broader Immigration Enforcement
Judge Farbiarz noted that legal permanent residents like Khalil are seldom detained on immigration fraud charges, suggesting Khalil pursue bail through his immigration attorney. Meanwhile, other immigrants have faced similar treatment under the current administration. Kilmar Abrego Garcia, for instance, recently pleaded not guilty to migrant smuggling charges after a wrongful deportation.
Ongoing Legal Battle
Mahmoud Khalil continues to challenge his detention, maintained in a Louisiana facility while awaiting further legal proceedings. Civil rights advocates remain vocal against what they see as politically motivated judicial tactics aimed at silencing dissent over U.S. foreign policy.
Key points:
- Mahmoud Khalil, a legal U.S. resident and Columbia graduate student, has been detained since March 8.
- Initially held on foreign policy grounds, the government now cites immigration fraud.
- Judge Farbiarz upheld the detention, urging Khalil to seek bail.
- Legal representatives and civil rights groups denounce the detention as politically motivated.
- Khalil’s family and high-profile supporters appeal for his release.
