Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia grad student detained for over three months due to his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests, has finally been released from ICE custody, according to his legal team. His case had drawn attention to the intersection of activism, immigration enforcement, and free speech.

Editor’s Note: Khalil’s release is a win for his supporters, but it also highlights the broader debate over how protest-related charges can escalate into immigration detention—especially for non-citizens. This case could fuel discussions about the legal risks international students and activists face in politically charged climates.