FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2025
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Washington, D.C. | The American‑Arab Anti‑Discrimination Committee (ADC) welcomes yesterday’s ruling by U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz ordering the Department of Homeland Security to release Mahmoud Khalil, the Columbia University graduate student and legal permanent resident arrested on March 8 for peacefully opposing the genocide in Gaza.
Khalil’s three‑month confinement in a remote Louisiana ICE facility—during which he was denied the chance to witness the birth of his first child—exposes the human cost of a justice system bent to political purposes.
“The court confirmed what our community has insisted all along: Mahmoud should never have spent a single night behind bars for exercising his First‑Amendment rights,” said Abed Ayoub, ADC National Executive Director. “This ruling slams the door on an outrageous attempt to weaponize immigration law at the behest of a foreign nation.”
ADC extends heartfelt congratulations to Khalil’s legal team, Amy Greer, Ramzi Kassem, the ACLU, and all co‑counsel whose vigorous advocacy blocked a precedent that would have let the State Department deport critics of U.S. policy with impunity.
“Freedom of speech makes the United States a beacon for the world’s bravest voices,” added Ayoub. “Criminalizing dissent to placate a foreign government betrays the Constitution and the nation’s core values.”
ADC calls on the Administration to drop any appeal, return Mr. Khalil’s green card, and launch an independent review of politically motivated immigration detentions.