A US federal judge on Wednesday ruled that the government must release Mahmoud Khalil, the former Columbia University graduate student whom President Donald Trump’s administration is trying to deport over his participation in pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

The Court hereby stays its preliminary injunction for around 40 hours, until 9:30AM on June 13. This is to allow the Respondents to seek appellate review should they wish to. In addition, the preliminary injunction shall not go into effect unless and until the Petitioner posts a nominal bond in the amount of $1, consistent with the requirement of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65(c).

We are relieved that the court documented what was obvious to the world, which is that the government’s vindictive and unconstitutional arrest, detention and attempted deportation of Mahmoud for his Palestinian activism is causing him and his family agonizing personal and professional harm … We look forward to his reunion with his wife and newborn son, and for this remarkable, brilliant man to reclaim his life and his reputation.

Khalil is a lawful permanent resident and has been illegally detained since March of this year. He participated in a series of political demonstrations at Columbia University, which ultimately led to his detention. In April, a US immigration judge decided that Khalil could be deported after the Trump administration revoked Khalil’s permanent resident status.