A Palestinian activist named Mahmoud Khalil, who had participated in demonstrations against Israel’s actions in Gaza at Columbia University, was freed from an immigration detention center in Louisiana after being held for 104 days. Khalil, a permanent resident but not a US citizen, was born in Syria and has Algerian citizenship.
US District Judge Michael Farbiarz ordered Khalil’s release earlier on the day of his freedom, stating that the US government did not challenge evidence that Khalil is not a flight risk and poses no danger to the public. Despite this, Khalil’s fight for his right to remain in the United States has not concluded, as the Trump administration claims that he gave false information when applying for his green card.
Khalil’s lawyers have denied accusations of anti-Semitism and anti-US sentiments. After his release, Khalil stated that justice took too long, adding that his prolonged detention should not have taken three months. His legal team also pointed out that Farbiarz previously ruled that foreign policy reasons did not justify holding Khalil.
Meanwhile, Khalil is married to a US citizen, Noor Abdalla, who gave birth to their son while Khalil was detained. She welcomed Khalil’s return, acknowledging that the case has not yet fully addressed the injustices faced by their family and others in similar situations. The ruling allows Khalil limited travel within the US, and he is set to reunite with his small family in New York.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/us-updates-trump-admin-slashes-jobs-at-voice-of-america/live-72990588?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
