Fact Check: Mahmoud Khalil freed after 104 days in immigration detention!

Fact Check: "Mahmoud Khalil freed after 104 days in immigration detention!"

What We Know

Mahmoud Khalil, a former graduate student at Columbia University and a Palestinian activist, was released from federal immigration detention on June 20, 2025, after spending 104 days in custody. His release followed a ruling by U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz, who stated that the government had not provided sufficient justification for Khalil's prolonged detention since his arrest on March 8, 2025. The judge emphasized that it was "highly, highly unusual" for the government to continue detaining a legal U.S. resident who posed no flight risk or danger to the community (AP News, UPI). Khalil's detention was part of a broader crackdown by the Trump administration on activists involved in protests against U.S. foreign policy regarding Israel (AP News).

Analysis

The claim that Mahmoud Khalil was freed after 104 days in immigration detention is supported by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press and UPI reported on the details surrounding his release, including the judge's comments regarding the government's failure to justify his detention (AP News, UPI).

Khalil's case has garnered significant media attention, particularly due to the political implications surrounding his detention, which many viewed as an attempt to suppress dissent against U.S. policies regarding Israel. His release was celebrated by civil rights advocates, who argued that his detention was a violation of free speech rights (AP News, UPI).

The sources used in this analysis are reputable news outlets with a history of reliable reporting. The Associated Press is known for its journalistic integrity, and UPI has a long-standing reputation in news reporting. Both sources provided consistent details about Khalil's detention and subsequent release, reinforcing the credibility of the claim.

Conclusion

The claim that "Mahmoud Khalil was freed after 104 days in immigration detention" is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that Khalil was indeed released following a judicial ruling that deemed his continued detention unjustified. The circumstances surrounding his detention and release highlight significant issues regarding immigration enforcement and the rights of activists in the United States.

Fact Check: Mahmoud Khalil freed after 104 days in immigration detention!