Palestinian activist and Columbia University researcher Mahmoud Khalil was released from U.S. custody after 104 days, following a federal judge’s ruling to end his prolonged detention. Khalil had become a prominent figure in pro-Palestinian protests against the Israeli war on Gaza and was arrested on March 8 at his university residence in Manhattan amid a crackdown on student demonstrations.

Despite holding lawful permanent residency, Khalil was targeted under policies introduced during the Trump administration, which branded such protests as “antisemitic” and threatened deportation of foreign students involved. District Judge Michael Farbiarz ordered Khalil’s release, ruling that the government failed to prove he posed any danger or flight risk. The judge also expressed concern that immigration charges were being misused to punish Khalil for his political activism, a practice deemed unconstitutional.

The White House swiftly condemned the ruling, with a spokesperson claiming the judge lacked jurisdiction and affirming confidence that their appeal would succeed, aiming for Khalil’s removal from the U.S.

Khalil has maintained that his detention was politically motivated and violated his First Amendment rights, highlighting broader efforts to suppress Palestinian solidarity activism within the United States.