NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – Palestinian-American activist Mahmoud Khalil has pledged to continue his pro-Palestinian advocacy after being released on bail from a US immigration jail. Khalil, 30, received a warm welcome from supporters as he landed at Newark Liberty International Airport on Saturday.
Speaking to media alongside US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Khalil said he would not be silenced, even under threats. “Even if they threaten to kill me, I would still speak up for Palestine again,” he said, holding flowers and raising a fist. “I just want to return to the work I was doing—defending Palestinian rights.”
Khalil, who recently graduated from Columbia University, was arrested in March by immigration officers, becoming the first international student targeted under President Trump’s renewed deportation efforts against pro-Palestinian activists. Authorities cited a rarely used section of immigration law, claiming Khalil’s presence threatened US foreign policy.
However, a federal judge ruled earlier this month that the Trump administration had violated Khalil’s constitutional rights to free speech. Judge Michael Farbiarz ordered Khalil’s release while his deportation case and lawsuit proceed in court. Still, an immigration judge in Louisiana has ruled for deportation, which Khalil plans to challenge.
Representative Ocasio-Cortez slammed the arrest, calling it “illegal and politically motivated.” She added, “Targeting someone for their speech, especially speech in support of human rights, is an affront to democracy and American values.”
The Trump administration has appealed the judge’s ruling and insists Khalil should be deported for allegedly misrepresenting his employment history on immigration forms. Khalil denies the claim, saying the accusations are baseless and politically charged. The case now moves to the Board of Immigration Appeals.