Overview

• Judge Michael Farbiarz found Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s use of a Cold War–era statute “unconstitutionally vague” when applied to Mahmoud Khalil’s activism
• Instead of granting release, Farbiarz directed further briefing on claims that Khalil omitted his work with the U.N. Relief and Works Agency from his green card application
• Khalil has been held in a Louisiana detention center since his March 8 arrest at Columbia University, causing him to miss his first child’s birth and his graduation
• Department of Homeland Security submitted a Rubio memorandum accusing Khalil of leading antisemitic and disruptive protests on campus
• Civil rights advocates warn the case risks penalizing protected speech and eroding due process rights for lawful permanent residents