Overview
- Khalil, a green-card holder and former lead negotiator for a pro-Palestinian encampment at Columbia, was arrested on March 8 and transferred to a detention facility in Louisiana after Secretary of State Marco Rubio deemed him a foreign policy risk.
- On June 20, a federal judge found his detention unconstitutional and ordered him freed on $50,000 bail.
- The Department of Homeland Security contends that detaining Khalil fell within its authority over individuals who advocate violence or support terrorism.
- Advocates from CAIR, the Center for Constitutional Rights and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called the ruling a victory for free speech rights on campus.
- Khalil has said he will continue pro-Palestinian activism as his legal team prepares for an appeal that could set precedent for foreign student rights.