Though Mahmoud Khalil was released from federal custody on June 20, his legal counsel says the fight with President Donald Trump’s administration is far from over and continues to raise key free speech issues.
The administration said it intended to appeal New Jersey U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz’ ruling to release Khalil from U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement custody. He was being held at a Louisiana detainment facility for more than three months following his March 8 detention.
Farbiarz said on June 20 that there was no evidence that Khalil, a Columbia University graduate, would be a flight risk or danger to the community if he was released.
The administration has cited a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 in its effort to deport Khalil, a lawful permanent resident who was born in Syria. The clause allows the secretary of state to remove individuals from the country if they have reason to believe the person’s actions or presence undermines foreign policy interests.
Earlier in June, Farbiarz said the application of the provision to Khalil's case violated his First Amendment right to free speech.
