In a stunning legal twist, a federal judge has halted the deportation of Khalil, a lawful permanent resident, overruling the directives of former President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio. The ruling, delivered by U.S. District Judge Michael Far in New Jersey, asserts that insufficient evidence exists to support claims that Khalil lied on his immigration application, a key argument for his removal.

Khalil, who remains in custody, has been at the center of a heated immigration debate after being accused of failing to disclose critical employment history on his visa forms. Despite these allegations, the judge emphasized that Khalil’s rights to free speech and due process must be upheld, stating, “This is America; everybody has free speech here.” The court’s decision reflects a broader legal principle that extends constitutional protections even to non-citizens, igniting fierce discussions about the implications for immigration policy.

The ruling comes amid claims from the government that Khalil’s continued presence poses a foreign policy risk, but the judge found this assertion lacking in substantive evidence. His decision to grant a preliminary injunction indicates that Khalil is likely to prevail in future proceedings, highlighting the potential for irreparable harm to his reputation and career if deported.

While the judge’s order prevents immediate removal, it does not guarantee Khalil’s release, as he remains in detention pending further appeals from the government. The clock is ticking, with the Trump administration expected to contest this ruling fiercely. As the legal battle unfolds, this case not only challenges the authority of immigration officials but also raises critical questions about the protection of free speech rights for all individuals within U.S. borders. Stay tuned as this dramatic saga continues to develop.