Activist's Detention Drama Trump-Era Policy Dealt Blow by Judge

Headline: Judge Blocks Trump Administration from Continuing Detention of Palestinian Activist Mahmoud Khalil

A New Jersey federal judge has issued a significant ruling, granting a preliminary injunction to bar the Trump administration from continuing to detain or deport Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and Columbia University student. The decision marks a potential turning point in a case that has drawn widespread attention and sparked heated debate.

Key Highlights of the Ruling:

• Judge Michael Farbiarz's ruling prevents the administration from removing Khalil based on Secretary of State Marco Rubio's determination that his presence poses a risk to foreign policy.
• The injunction is temporarily stayed until 9:30 a.m. Friday, giving the Trump administration approximately 40 hours to appeal the decision.
• Once Khalil posts a nominal bond of $1, the preliminary injunction will take effect.

Background of the Case:

Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder married to an American citizen, was arrested on March 8th in New York City and has been detained in Louisiana ever since. His detention followed accusations of supporting Hamas, a claim his legal team vehemently denies.

In April, an immigration judge ruled that Khalil was deportable based on Rubio's assertion that his presence would have "adverse foreign policy consequence." A second set of charges, related to alleged misrepresentations on his green card application, are still pending.

Judge Farbiarz, however, emphasized that lawful permanent residents accused of application misrepresentations are "virtually never detained pending removal."

Reactions to the Ruling:

Khalil's attorneys hailed the judge's decision as a "big win."

"We are relieved that the court documented what was obvious to the world, which is that the government's vindictive and unconstitutional arrest, detention and attempted deportation of Mahmoud for his Palestinian activism is causing him and his family agonizing personal and professional harm," stated Baher Azmy, legal director of the Center for Constitutional Rights.

Khalil's wife, Dr. Noor Abdalla, who gave birth to their first child during his detention, expressed her hope that he can spend his first Father's Day at home with his family.

"Mahmoud must be released immediately and safely returned home to New York to be with me and our newborn baby, Deen," Abdalla stated. "True justice would mean Mahmoud was never taken away from us in the first place, that no Palestinian father, from New York to Gaza, would have to endure the painful separation of prison walls like Mahmoud has."

The Government's Stance:

The Trump administration has maintained that Khalil was detained due to his alleged support for Hamas. Secretary Rubio, in a memo, argued that Khalil should be deported because of his purported role in "antisemitic protests and disruptive activities, which fosters a hostile environment for Jewish students in the United States."

Khalil's Defense:

During a hearing last month, Khalil testified that the accusations of Hamas support make him a target for Israel if deported. He also claimed that in Syria, he could be targeted by the Assad regime or used as a bargaining chip.

His attorneys submitted over 600 pages of documents, declarations, and expert analyses to support their claim that he is not antisemitic and that he could face torture or death if deported.

Looking Ahead:

The coming days will be crucial as the Trump administration decides whether to appeal the judge's decision. The case highlights the complexities of immigration law, foreign policy considerations, and the rights of activists in the United States. Regardless of the ultimate outcome, the ruling underscores the importance of due process and the protection of constitutional rights, even amidst contentious political climates.

Tags: Mahmoud Khalil, Columbia University, Pro-Palestinian, Student activist, Deportation, Trump administration, New Jersey, Federal judge, Injunction, Arrest

Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/judge-rules-trump-administration-cannot-continue-detain-mahmoud-khalil/story?id=122750911