Fact Check: Pro-Palestinian activist Khalil detained for over three months without charges.

Fact Check: "Pro-Palestinian activist Khalil detained for over three months without charges."

What We Know

Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for over three months, specifically from March 8 to June 20, 2025. His detention was part of a controversial crackdown by the Trump administration on activists involved in pro-Palestinian protests. A federal judge in New Jersey ordered Khalil's release, stating that the government's attempt to detain him was "highly unusual" and likely unconstitutional, as it appeared to be a punitive measure against his activism (NPR, BBC).

During his detention, Khalil was not formally charged with any crime. Instead, the government attempted to justify his detention under a rarely used statute, claiming that his activism posed a threat to U.S. foreign policy. However, the judge noted that the government had not provided evidence to support this claim (NBC News, Politico).

Analysis

The claim that Khalil was detained for over three months without charges is supported by multiple credible sources. Reports confirm that he was arrested on March 8, 2025, and held in a Louisiana immigration detention center until his release on June 20, 2025 (Reuters, CNN). The absence of formal criminal charges against Khalil during this period is a significant aspect of the case, as it raises questions about the legality of his detention.

The ruling by Judge Michael Farbiarz emphasized the unusual nature of Khalil's detention, suggesting that it was not based on standard legal grounds. The judge's comments indicate skepticism regarding the government's rationale for detaining Khalil, particularly the assertion that his activism could have adverse foreign policy consequences (The Hill, USA Today).

The sources used in this analysis are reputable news organizations, including NPR, BBC, and NBC News, which have established editorial standards and fact-checking processes. This lends credibility to the information presented regarding Khalil's detention and the legal proceedings surrounding it.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that pro-Palestinian activist Khalil was detained for over three months without charges is accurate. He was held from March 8 to June 20, 2025, without any formal criminal charges being filed against him. The judicial ruling that led to his release highlighted the questionable nature of his detention, reinforcing the validity of the claim.

Fact Check: Pro-Palestinian activist Khalil detained for over three months without charges.