Fact Check: Mahmoud Khalil spent 104 days in immigration detention for protesting.

Fact Check: "Mahmoud Khalil spent 104 days in immigration detention for protesting."

What We Know

Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and former graduate student at Columbia University, was detained by U.S. immigration authorities on March 8, 2025, and remained in custody for a total of 104 days. He was released on June 20, 2025, following a ruling by U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz, who stated that it would be "highly, highly unusual" for the government to continue detaining a legal U.S. resident who posed no flight risk and had not been accused of any violence (AP News, AP News). Khalil's detention was linked to his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests, which the Trump administration viewed as a potential threat to U.S. foreign policy (AP News, AP News).

Analysis

The claim that Khalil spent 104 days in immigration detention is supported by multiple credible sources, including the Associated Press and NPR. Both outlets confirm the duration of his detention and the circumstances surrounding it. Khalil was not accused of any illegal activities during the protests, and his detention was seen by many as a politically motivated action against dissent (NPR, AP News).

The judge's ruling emphasized that the government had not met the necessary standards for Khalil's continued detention, reinforcing the notion that his arrest was more about his activism than any legal infractions. This aligns with broader concerns expressed by civil rights groups regarding the Trump administration's approach to dissent and immigration enforcement (AP News, AP News).

The sources used in this fact-check are reputable news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. The Associated Press and NPR are recognized for their thorough reporting and adherence to factual accuracy, which adds credibility to the information presented.

Conclusion

The claim that Mahmoud Khalil spent 104 days in immigration detention for protesting is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms the duration of his detention and the political context surrounding it. Khalil's case has drawn attention to issues of free speech and the treatment of activists under immigration laws.

Fact Check: Mahmoud Khalil spent 104 days in immigration detention for protesting.