**Columbia Activist Mahmoud Khalil Freed from Detention**
Mahmoud Khalil, a 30-year-old Columbia University graduate and activist, has been released from detention after being held by the Trump administration for over three months. Khalil was arrested on March 8th, sparking protests in New York, Washington D.C., and other cities.
**Government Wants to Deport Him**
The government wants to deport Khalil, arguing that his activism is detrimental to US foreign policy. However, Khalil claims that he was targeted because of his involvement in protests against Israel’s military action in Gaza. He said that the government’s actions are unjust and that there is no right person who should be detained for protesting a genocide.
**Judge Rules Against Government**
A federal judge, Michael Farbiarz, ruled that the government lacked jurisdiction to detain Khalil. The judge also found that the government’s justification for detaining Khalil was probably unconstitutional. Khalil’s attorneys argued that the government violated his free speech rights and targeted him due to his involvement in protests.
**Travel Restrictions Remain**
Although Khalil has been released from detention, he is still subject to certain travel restrictions. He will not be allowed to travel internationally, but can travel within the United States for court appearances or attorney visits. He will also be permitted to travel to Washington D.C. to lobby and for legislative purposes.
**Reaction from Activists**
Alina Das, codirector of the Immigrant Rights Clinic at New York University School of Law, said that nobody should be afraid of being jailed in this country for speaking out. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also released a statement welcoming Khalil’s release and pledging to continue fighting for his case in court.
**Commentary**
The detention of Mahmoud Khalil is just the latest example of the Trump administration’s efforts to silence activists and critics of its policies. By invoking an rarely used section of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the government attempted to justify Khalil’s detention as a threat to US foreign policy. However, Judge Farbiarz’s ruling makes it clear that such actions are unconstitutional and will not be tolerated.
**Analysis**
The release of Mahmoud Khalil is a victory for activists and advocates who have been fighting against the Trump administration’s attacks on free speech and civil liberties. However, the travel restrictions imposed on him highlight the ongoing efforts to control and silence dissenting voices. As Alina Das noted, nobody should be afraid of being jailed in this country for speaking out – and yet, it seems that under the current administration, such fears are all too real.
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