Federal judge orders release of pro-Palestinian protester Mahmoud Khalil

U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz issued a bench order on Friday that Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil be released from ICE’s Louisiana detention center on bail, according to reporting from the courtroom. Officials arrested the Syrian national in early March on allegations that he led activities in support of the terror group Hamas, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Khalil served as a prominent pro-Palestinian activist at Columbia and represented pro-Hamas student groups during the school’s protest encampments early last year, court documents showed.

Farbiarz ordered Khalil’s release about a week ago, alleging that the government ran out its clock to hold Khalil on its initial foreign policy concerns. The judge later ruled to keep Khalil in custody after the government alleged that Khalil lied on his green card application.

Wasn’t it already ruled that he could be deported? Assistant Chief Immigration Judge Jamee E. Comans did rule in April that Khalil could legally be deported despite being a green card holder. However, due process is expected to decide if that deportation will take place. Farbiarz’s Friday order will allow Khalil to be released from ICE detention and return to his family in New Jersey while litigation around his case continues.

Were there any other rulings on Friday? U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs granted a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration's efforts to bar Harvard University from hosting international students. The preliminary injunction is to remain in effect while the case plays out in court.

Dig deeper: Read my reporting on a judge ordering that another pro-Palestinian Columbia University student be released from ICE custody last month.