Pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil demands release after US fails to meet court's deadline
'The Government has declined to provide information about plans for Mr. Khalil's release today,' Khalil's lawyers write to district judge
WASHINGTON
Lawyers for detained pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil on Friday demanded his release after the government failed to file an appeal by a Friday deadline.
Michael Farbiarz, district judge in New Jersey on Wednesday blocked the deportation of Khalil, ruling that he cannot be detained or removed based solely on Secretary of State Marco Rubio's determination that his presence compromises US foreign policy interests.
The preliminary injunction was stayed for approximately 40 hours until 9.30 am (1330GMT) Friday, giving federal authorities time to respond to the ruling.
Khalil’s lawyers informed Farbiarz that the US had failed to meet the court’s deadline.
"Mr. Khalil submits his letter to respectfully request this court order Mr. Khalil’s release pursuant to this Court’s June 11, 2025 order and opinion enjoining Mr. Khalil’s removal and detention based on the Secretary of State's determination," wrote Liza Weisberg, one of his lawyers.
Khalil has satisfied the requirements for the preliminary injunction and has posted his bond, she added.
"The Government has declined to provide information about plans for Mr. Khalil's release today," Weisberg said.
Khalil, a graduate student at Columbia University in New York City, where he led pro-Palestinian protests, was detained by federal immigration agents in the lobby of his university-owned apartment on March 8.
Anadolu Agency website contains only a portion of the news stories offered to subscribers in the AA News Broadcasting System (HAS), and in summarized form. Please contact us for subscription options.
