Pro-Palestinian Activist Mahmoud Khalil Released from Immigration Detention

Mahmoud Khalil, an advocate for Palestinian rights, expressed his intention to continue his activism after arriving in New Jersey following three months in a detention facility in Louisiana. He criticized the US government’s stance, asserting that his speech promoting Palestinian causes should be protected and celebrated.

Held since March 8, Khalil, 30, was detained during an effort by federal authorities to deport him, citing allegations of activities “aligned to Hamas,” the Palestinian group responsible for deadly attacks in Israel. Khalil, a Syrian-born permanent resident, spent 104 days in custody while the Trump administration pursued deportation proceedings.

Khalil responded passionately at a press conference, condemning US and Columbia University’s support of what he called “genocide,” and reaffirmed his commitment to protest despite risks of detention or violence. At the airport, he was joined by his wife, Dr. Noor Abdalla, and their son, born during his detention, alongside Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Ocasio-Cortez criticized the government’s actions, stating, “He has been unfairly accused because of his political speech, which the establishment opposes.”

Following a court ruling, Khalil was released on bail after a judge criticized the government for detaining him without sufficient justification. His release was conditioned on surrendering his passport and restrictions limiting his travel to certain states for ongoing immigration proceedings.

Lawyers called the decision a “notable victory,” emphasizing that Khalil’s detention lacked proper legal grounds, given his status as a non-violent legal resident.