Mahmoud Khalil Requests Immediate Transfer from Louisiana Jail to New Jersey for Family Support

Attorneys for Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil have requested his immediate release on bail or a transfer to New Jersey to be closer to his family. This request comes as the Trump administration aims to keep him detained in Louisiana. Khalil, a lawful permanent resident, has been held since March over allegations that his presence threatens US foreign policy.

Judge Michael Farbiarz recently ruled that Khalil could not be deported for this reason. However, he denied Khalil's release, citing another government claim that Khalil omitted details about his work history and affiliations on his green card application. Khalil disputes these claims, arguing he was truthful in his application.

Legal Battle Over Detention

Khalil's lawyers argue that the government's decision to detain him based on these grounds is "exceedingly rare and extremely unusual." They believe it reflects a retaliatory stance. If release is not granted, they urge for a transfer to a New Jersey facility, closer to his wife and newborn son. An internal US Immigration and Customs Enforcement directive suggests detained parents should be held near their children.

Despite this directive, an ICE official previously denied the transfer request. Last month, the government opposed Khalil holding his 1-month-old son, suggesting their first meeting should be "non-contact." Inquiries to the Justice Department and ICE went unanswered.

Allegations and Disputes

Khalil was arrested at his Manhattan apartment on March 8. He became the first target of President Donald Trump's crackdown on those who protested against the war in Gaza. While not accused of any crime, the administration argues that Khalil's beliefs could undermine US foreign policy goals related to fighting anti-semitism.

The government added allegations of lying on his green card application after his arrest. They claimed he served as an "officer" for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. Khalil denies this, stating he completed an internship approved by Columbia University. He also disputes claims about overstating his work duration at the British Embassy.

Judicial Rulings and Family's Response

A previous ruling by Judge Farbiarz indicated it was "overwhelmingly unlikely" that the government would detain Khalil solely for misrepresenting himself on the application. However, he noted that Khalil's lawyers had not provided enough evidence to counter these claims or prove illegal detention.

Noor Abdalla, Khalil's wife, expressed her determination in a statement: "The government is making desperate, last-ditch attempts to keep my husband unjustly imprisoned. We are not afraid and will not be intimidated because we know, and the government knows, it is only a matter of time before Mahmoud is free."

With inputs from PTI