Topline
Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia University student arrested in March over his involvement in pro-Palestinian demonstrations, cannot be deported or detained, a federal judge ruled Wednesday, though the order does not take effect until Friday.
Khalil has been detained since early March. (Photo by Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Key Facts
U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz granted Khalil’s motion to temporarily block federal officials from deporting him from the U.S., pushing against the Trump administration’s claims of foreign policy interests it cited in its reasoning for Khalil’s arrest.
Khalil, a green card holder born in Syria to Palestinian parents, has been detained since his arrest on March 8.
Farbiarz noted the holds barring the federal government from detaining or deporting Khalil have no impact on efforts to remove him for reasons other than the foreign policy concerns cited by the Trump administration.
The Trump administration can appeal the ruling, but if it is unsuccessful or chooses not to, Khalil could be released as early as Friday morning on a $1 bond.
Forbes reached out to the White House and Khalil’s representatives for comment.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
