Overview

• Khalil had been held by ICE since his March arrest at Columbia University and spent more than three months in custody without formal charges.
• Authorities initially cited his participation in pro-Hamas demonstrations and omissions in his green card application to justify his confinement.
• Judge Michael Farbiarz found no evidence that Khalil posed a danger or flight risk and ruled his continued detention breached constitutional protections.
• Born in Syria to Palestinian parents, Khalil was a prominent figure in pro-Palestine protests at Columbia and his wife and newborn son are U.S. citizens.
• The release overthrows a detention previously ruled unconstitutional and that had sparked significant protests on Columbia University’s campus.