Trump Admin Can’t Detain Mahmoud Khalil on Foreign Policy Grounds, Judge Rules

Khalil has proven that his continued detention is causing irreparable harm to his career, family, and free speech rights, a judge rules.

Student Mahmoud Khalil at a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on the Columbia University campus in New York City on April 29, 2024. Ted Shaffrey/AP Photo

A federal judge ruled on June 11 that President Donald Trump’s administration cannot use foreign policy interests to justify detaining Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student who played a leading role in the pro-Palestinian protests at the school in 2024.

U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz granted Khalil an injunction against deportation or continued detention, ruling that Khalil had met the “irreparable harm” standard required to receive a federal court order in his favor.