Context:

A federal judge has ordered the potential release of Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident and Columbia University graduate, who has been detained for over three months under a rarely cited law invoked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Judge Michael E. Farbiarz found the law likely unconstitutional and noted that Khalil's detention causes irreparable harm to his career and reputation. Although the ruling is a significant victory for Khalil, the judge paused the order to allow for a government appeal and left open the possibility of further detention on other grounds. The Trump administration has accused Khalil of failing to disclose organizational memberships during his residency application, but his lawyers have contested these allegations. Khalil's supporters and family hope for his release so he can reunite with his family and celebrate Father's Day in New York.

Dive Deeper:

• Judge Michael E. Farbiarz ruled against the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, citing the unconstitutionality of a law used by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to justify the detention. This law was aimed at preventing antisemitism, and Khalil's detention has chilled his speech and harmed his reputation.

• The judge's order is on hold until Friday, allowing the government time to appeal. The administration has not yet indicated whether it will pursue an appeal, and there are concerns Khalil might face detention on other grounds, such as allegations of nondisclosure of organizational memberships.

• Khalil's detention is part of a wider crackdown on pro-Palestinian student protests, but his case has drawn significant attention due to concerns over free speech and due process. His lawyers argue that he should not face deportation or detention based solely on Secretary Rubio's assertions.

• The ruling is a personal victory for Khalil, who has been held without formal charges in Louisiana. His wife, Dr. Noor Abdalla, has expressed hopes for his release so that he can reunite with his family, especially to celebrate his first Father's Day with his infant son.

• The administration has accused Khalil of siding with Hamas, but has provided no substantial evidence. Khalil's public statements have denounced antisemitism, underscoring his stance against racism, which his lawyers have used to counter the administration's claims.