Family First Judge Slams Feds, Demands Release of Non-Criminal Immigrant

Federal Judge Orders Release of Mahmoud Khalil

In a significant ruling against the administration's immigration policies, a federal judge has ordered the release of Mahmoud Khalil, despite ongoing efforts to deport him. The case has drawn considerable attention due to the unusual circumstances surrounding Mr. Khalil's detention.

While the administration retains the right to pursue Mr. Khalil's deportation, Judge Farbiarz's order ensures that he will be free from detention and reunited with his wife and infant son, who are both U.S. citizens. This decision marks a crucial victory for Mr. Khalil and his legal team.

What makes this case particularly noteworthy is that Mr. Khalil has not been charged with any crime. Instead, the administration justified his detention by invoking a seldom-used law that allows for the deportation of individuals deemed to oppose the nation's foreign policy objectives.

The accusation stems from claims made by Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, who accused Mr. Khalil of spreading antisemitism. This accusation has been strongly refuted by Mr. Khalil's legal team, who point to his past statements, including remarks made on CNN, where he stated:

"The liberation of the Palestinian people and the Jewish people are intertwined and go hand by hand, and you cannot achieve one without the other."

Key points to consider:

• No criminal charges: Mr. Khalil has not been accused of committing any crime.
• Rarely cited law: The administration is using an unusual law concerning opposition to foreign policy.
• Antisemitism allegations: These are disputed by Mr. Khalil's lawyers, citing his previous statements.

Adding another layer of complexity, a week after Mr. Khalil's initial arrest, the Trump administration introduced additional allegations, claiming he had made errors on his citizenship application paperwork the previous year.

However, Judge Farbiarz had already dismissed the foreign policy justification for Mr. Khalil's detention. On Friday, the judge further ruled that the remaining allegations regarding paperwork errors were insufficient grounds to warrant his continued detention. This solidified the decision to order Mr. Khalil's release.

This case underscores the ongoing debates surrounding immigration law, freedom of speech, and the balance between national security concerns and individual rights. The release of Mahmoud Khalil, while subject to potential deportation proceedings, represents a moment of reprieve and a reaffirmation of due process.

Ultimately, the judge's decision offers a glimmer of hope, reminding us of the importance of upholding justice and protecting the rights of individuals, even amidst complex and politically charged circumstances. The focus now shifts to ensuring a fair and just process moving forward, one that respects both the law and the fundamental principles of human dignity.

Tags: Deportation, Mr. Khalil, US citizen, Judge Farbiarz, Antisemitism, Marco Rubio, Palestinian people, Foreign policy, Immigration law, New York

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/20/nyregion/mahmoud-khalil-release-order.html