Mahmoud Khalil's Arrest: The Consequences of Pro-Palestinian Activism in 2025

A U.S. federal judge has decided to keep Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil in custody on immigration fraud charges. The decision Friday came as a surprise to many, as Khalil had been a familiar face during demonstrations against the war in Gaza, becoming the first high-profile activist arrested as part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on foreign students who support pro-Palestinian causes.

The charges against Khalil

Judge Michael Farbiarz, who practices in Newark, New Jersey, ruled that Khalil’s legal team failed to sufficiently prove that his detention was unlawful. Authorities allege that Khalil, a permanent U.S. resident, omitted crucial information from his green card application that would have otherwise disqualified him from residency. Despite the allegations, the former student has consistently denied engaging in terrorism through his protest activities.

The legal battle continues

During the hearing, the judge initially indicated his intention to release Khalil, believing his detention violated his free speech rights. However, the Trump administration filed additional legal documents, saying there were additional grounds to deport him. The situation is complicated and the tension is palpable, with Khalil now facing an uncertain future as his case is heard in the courts.

The political context and the reactions

The accusations against Khalil are not new. From the beginning, the Trump administration has accused activists like him of supporting terrorism. In particular, Khalil has been criticized for his alleged involvement with UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, which has been accused without concrete evidence of having ties to Hamas. Khalil, for his part, has clarified that he has never held an official role in that organization, claiming that he simply served an internship at the United Nations.

Personal and social impact

Khalil’s situation has a strong impact not only on him, but also on his family. He recently became a father and, as his lawyer pointed out, he will lose the opportunity to celebrate his first Father’s Day. “Instead of celebrating with his family, he is in detention as punishment for his advocacy,” said Amy Greer, one of his lawyers. The words resonate as a strong indictment of a system that many consider unjust and oppressive.

Future prospects

Judge Farbiarz extended the deadline for the Trump administration to appeal Khalil’s release, but ultimately decided to allow him to remain in detention. Khalil’s lawyers have been urged to seek bail in immigration court in Louisiana, where his deportation proceedings are being held. The legal battle is far from over, and Khalil’s future remains uncertain, with the risk that he could become a symbol of the fight for immigrant rights and activists.