Khalil isn’t accused of breaking any laws during the protests at Columbia. The international affairs graduate student served as a negotiator and spokesperson for student activists. He wasn’t among the demonstrators arrested, but his prominence in news coverage and willingness to speak publicly made him a target of critics.

A federal judge ordered the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student, saying he poses no flight risk or danger after being detained for months over pro-Palestinian protest ties.

It is highly unusual to be seeking detention of a petitioner given the factual record of today,” U.S. District Court Judge Michael Farbiarz stated.